National cricketers to face rigorous fitness tests ahead of central contracts

LAHORE, Sep 04: Pakistan's Test squad members and several centrally contracted cricketers are set to undergo stringent fitness tests on September 7 and 9 in Lahore. Sources reveal that these fitness tests are now a key criterion for the central contracts, causing concern among the players, who have already begun preparations.
The fitness standard has been raised to 60%, higher than the international norm of 50%. The tests will include bench press, skinfold measurements, bench pull, squats, and jump exercises. Additionally, players must complete a 2-kilometer trial run within 8 minutes and perform a series of three runs within 10 seconds, repeated six times with 30-second intervals. The demanding running requirements have reportedly added to the players' anxiety.
Following the fitness tests, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) plans to announce the central contracts, with the number of contracted players likely to be reduced to 25 from last year's 30. Several players may lose their contracts, while new talent is expected to be included in the upcoming central contracts.