Akram ‘not worried about heat strokes’ ahead of HBL PSL 6 matches in Abu Dhabi

Peshawar Zalmi’s Director Cricketing Affairs, Mohammad Akram, is confident that the teams can cope with the severe weather conditions in Abu Dhabi, ahead of the remaining HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) six matches.

The event is likely to take place during the first three weeks of June, which isn’t an ideal time for playing cricket in the region due to the hot weather.

Despite the tough conditions, Akram brushed aside the notion that there was a possibility of heat strokes but stressed on the importance of keeping players hydrated.

“This will be difficult but not impossible,” said Akram while talking to ESPNcricinfo. “We all are working on making plans for how to cope with such conditions, especially fast bowlers. We have a strategy to use coconut water as much as we can to maintain body temperature. We need to keep the boys hydrated and avoid the risk of cramping. Since most of the games will be played at night, we are not worried about heat strokes.”

“It’s more about how we combat the humidity. Hence, the use of coconut water helps us against the risk of losing electrolytes from the body. I am not sure if more than two or three extra breaks are feasible in between the innings but we plan to supply coconut water at the boundary especially for the bowlers,” he added.

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Meanwhile, Lahore Qalandars’ Head Coach Aaqib Javed believes that players can adjust to the conditions but admitted that the first innings during double-headers will be tough.  

“In June, the nights aren’t as hot as the days - the temperature drops and the sea breeze allows you to settle,” said Javed. “The boys in Pakistan are used to coping with some challenging conditions. The only worry is the first innings in the first games that will start around 5PM, but once the sun goes down they will cope.”

“Fitness is important as usual and players have attained the highest level of fitness these days. But still, the idea of having short breaks every seven overs can be handy. But we don't know what to expect right now. But everyone is a professional and everyone will come prepared about every aspect of the game. Normally I would suggest teams should have come two weeks earlier to acclimate with the conditions but with the tight schedule that's tricky,” he concluded.