LAHORE: Following the Pakistan cricket team’s unexpected 2-0 whitewash by Bangladesh in the Test series at home ground, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has implemented strict new fitness protocols for players.
According to local media reports, the PCB plans to award central contracts based on the results of upcoming fitness tests, which are set to begin on September 7. The board has raised the passing benchmark to 60%, up from the international standard of 50%.
Players will now be required to complete a 2-kilometer run in under eight minutes and perform a series of three runs, each within 10 seconds. The fitness test will also include various physical assessments such as bench presses, skinfold measurements, bench pulls, squats, and jumps.
As a result of these new measures, the PCB is expected to reduce the number of centrally contracted players from 30 to 25.
This move follows Pakistan’s historic whitewash by Bangladesh, who defeated the home team in both matches of the Test series held in Rawalpindi.
Looking ahead, England is scheduled to tour Pakistan in October for a three-match Test series as part of the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25. The first Test will take place in Multan on October 7, with the England squad arriving in Pakistan on October 2.
