PCB Defends Military Training Camp Amid Injury Concerns

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has defended the decision to conduct a military training camp for players during the final days of Ramzan, despite concerns that it may have contributed to recent muscle injuries.

The camp, held at Kakul, Pakistan's premier military training academy, was intended to enhance player fitness and power. However, following the camp, several key players, including Azam Khan, Mohammad Rizwan, and Irfan Niazi, sustained injuries that sidelined them during the home series against New Zealand.

Naqvi dismissed claims that the camp was responsible for the injuries, emphasizing that fitness training does not cause injuries. He acknowledged that Pakistan players' fitness levels lag behind their international counterparts and vowed to prioritize fitness in the future.

Azhar Mahmood, Pakistan's assistant coach, echoed Naqvi's sentiments, stating that the injuries occurred during cricket matches and were unrelated to the military training. He pointed out that the players who sustained injuries had participated in the first game of the series.

The PCB has maintained that the injuries are minor and will not result in long-term unavailability. Pakistan is scheduled to tour Ireland and England for seven T20I matches and will announce a preliminary World Cup squad by May 1.

The military training camp was initiated by Naqvi, who expressed concern over the lack of six-hitting power among Pakistani players. He emphasized the need for improved fitness to enhance power and performance.

While the camp's timing, coinciding with the final phase of Ramzan, raised concerns, the PCB cited precedent for military involvement in Pakistan cricket training. Misbah-ul-Haq's Pakistan team famously organized a similar camp before a Test series against England, which resulted in a drawn series and Pakistan's rise to the top of the Test rankings.

Tags: #PakistanCricket, #MilitaryTraining, #PlayerFitness, #InjuryConcerns, #PCBChairman