Pakistan’s cricket body prioritizes fitness for selection amid pressure to improve team’s performance

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) convened a meeting on Tuesday to address the performance issues of the men’s national team, announcing that future player selections will prioritize fitness.
The team has been under scrutiny since it crashed out of the T20 World Cup this year following a disappointing run since the Asia Cup last year, which highlighted significant gaps in their approach and consistency.
The squad’s poor performances, including early exits and lackluster displays in key tournaments, have intensified calls for reforms and better management within the team.
Criticism has been particularly directed at the players’ fitness levels, with former cricketers and analysts highlighting that inadequate fitness has been a major factor in the team’s recent failures.
“Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Mohsin Naqvi, convened a significant meeting today with the coaching staff of the Pakistan men’s cricket team,” the PCB said in a statement. “Present at the meeting were white-ball head coach Gary Kirsten, red-ball head coach Jason Gillespie, and assistant coach Azhar Mahmood.”
“Discussions during the meeting centered around strategizing for improvements in batting, bowling and fielding, with a decision to devise comprehensive plans in these areas,” it added. “It was agreed that selection would be contingent upon meeting the fitness standards.”
The PCB chairman acknowledged the presence of talent but highlighted the need for “optimal combinations.”
He expressed full confidence in the coaching staff’s abilities and assured them of complete support in player development and coaching matters.
The PCB itself has faced criticism for internal divisions within the team, which were reportedly a significant factor in the T20 World Cup exit.
The PCB’s handling of leadership changes and team management decisions came under question, with many arguing that these issues contributed to Pakistan’s overall performance.