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The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is taking a hard look at fitness after a dismal showing at the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. In a bid to improve player conditioning, the PCB is reintroducing the Yo-Yo test as a mandatory selection criterion.
The Yo-Yo test, a well-established measure of aerobic endurance, was used inconsistently in the past. However, new Director of Domestic Cricket Khurram Niazi has implemented a comprehensive plan to address this. Starting July 11th, fitness tests will be conducted nationwide, beginning at the district level and progressing to regional levels.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has thrown his weight behind the initiative, making passing the Yo-Yo test a prerequisite for both national and regional team selection, as well as regional player contracts. This applies to all players, from Test specialists to rising stars.
This move comes after former Pakistan team director Mohammad Hafeez revealed on the Club Prairie Fire podcast that fitness assessments, including the Yo-Yo test, were sidelined under previous management. Hafeez expressed his disappointment, mentioning a conversation with the team’s trainer who confirmed following relaxed fitness guidelines.
The PCB’s renewed focus on fitness aims to ensure Pakistani players can compete with the world’s most physically demanding teams. This comes ahead of a two-match Test series against Bangladesh in August 2024, part of the 2023-2025 World Test Championship cycle. With Pakistan currently at number 5 and Bangladesh at number 8 in the points table, the series presents an opportunity to climb the rankings.
