Vikrant Shekhawat : Sep 05, 2024, 01:00 PM
PAK vs BAN: Pakistan cricket team's home defeat at the hands of Bangladesh has created a stir across the country. Bangladesh created new history by defeating Pakistan 2-0 in the 2-match Test series in Rawalpindi. After this defeat, Pakistan's Test ranking has fallen to 8th place, which is the worst position since 1965.In view of this embarrassing defeat, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has taken a tough decision. Players will have to undergo a strict fitness test before being given a central contract in the next 12 months. This test to be held in Lahore on September 6-8 will be monitored by white ball cricket head coach Gary Kirsten and the team's trainer.Coaches Gary Kirsten and Jason Gillespie have made it clear that the fitness of the players will be made the first criterion for selection. Gym training, stamina, race, Yo Yo test and other aspects will be examined in the fitness test, to ensure that the players are fully prepared to perform at the highest level.PCB in mood for actionA source in the Pakistan Cricket Board has told PTI that the board is in a mood to conduct strict fitness tests for the players before giving them central contracts for the next 12 months. This will also include players included in the central contract and other international and domestic performing players.The fitness test will be conducted in Lahore between September 6 and 8 and the process will be monitored by white ball head coach Gary Kirsten and the team's physiotherapist and trainer. A reliable source in the board said that the fitness test will basically decide which players will get contracts this year. However, performance will also be given priority.Big challenge in front of the playersHe said that both foreign coaches Gary Kirsten and Jason Gillespie have made it clear to the selectors and the PCB that their first criterion for the selection of players will be their fitness. The source said that Gillespie was not happy with the fitness of some players in the recent Test matches played against Bangladesh. He said that the fitness test will include everything to determine how fit the player is. In this, gym training, stamina and race, yo yo test and other tests will also be conducted.