Key Pakistan players miss fitness tests

Only 10 centrally contracted Pakistan players took part in the fitness tests, which began today at the National Cricket Academy (NCA), Lahore.

The tw0-day tests are being conducted by the strength and conditioning coach of the Pakistan national men’s team Yasir Malik, who will cover five major areas, namely fat analysis, strength, endurance, speed endurance and cross-fit.

The players who were available for the fitness tests included Sarfaraz Ahmed, Abid Ali, Babar Azam, Haris Sohail, Imamul Haq, Shan Masood, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Abbas, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Yasir Shah.

Test captain Azhar Ali, middle-order batsman Asad Shafiq and wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan were absent due to viral infection.

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Left-arm pacer Usman Shinwari is still recovering from the typhoid he contracted during the recently-concluded home Test series against Sri Lanka.

Fast-bowler Hasan Ali (fractured ribs) and opener Fakhar Zaman (back problem) are also recovering from their respective injuries and will only undergo fitness tests after getting clearance from the medical staff.

Pacers Wahab Riaz and Mohammad Amir along with leg-spinner Shadab Khan, are occupied with their commitments in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), and will undergo the tests on January 20 and 21.

Last week, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced that a player failing to meet the minimum fitness requirements will be fined 15 per cent of his monthly retainer, which will remain effective until such time he achieves the minimum fitness standards. Player failing consecutive tests will risk the chances of retaining his central contract category and may face demotion.