Pakistan’s white-ball captain Babar Azam on April 7 shared his memorable moment during the team’s training with the army which was held in Kakul, Abbottabad. Babar said that the team’s training with the army strengthened the unity of the team and the overall performance. 29 Pakistan cricketers took part in a fitness camp organised by the country’s military academy from March 26 to April 6 ahead of the T20I series against New Zealand and England and the T20I World Cup in June this year. Pakistan Army experts and strategists designed team bonding exercises and drills.
The main focus of the camp was to enhance the physical and mental strength of the players and ensure that they were in good condition to face challenges. The players underwent comprehensive training under the guidance of experienced trainers and coaches to elevate their fitness levels, agility, leadership and strategic thinking on the ground.
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‘All the players have experienced significant growth’
"The notable deviation from previous camps was the absence of cricket-centric activities. Instead, the emphasis was squarely on physical conditioning, teamwork and mental resilience. Immersed in such an inspiring facility, guided by top-notch instructors and a well-structured programme, all the players have experienced significant growth. I'm confident that we'll return to competitive cricket as better, fitter and mentally tougher athletes, thereby enhancing our overall performance," Babar said in a video shared by the PCB.
Babar was recently reinstated as white-ball skipper while Shaheen Afridi got the axe after just one series as the leader of the side.
During the training, the local media featured reports about the tensions between Shaheen Afridi and Babar Azam. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi reportedly rushed to the fitness camp to meet Babar, Afridi and other players to calm tensions within the team.
Our focus extended beyond physical fitness: Babar
Talking about their camp, Babar said that this was his third boot camp training. He went on to say that cricket-centric activities were not present in the camp and the main focus was physical conditioning, teamwork and mental resilience. He added that the team chose to create deeper connections between team members.
"This was my third boot camp, and with each visit, I've gleaned new insights,” Babar further added.
"This time, our focus extended beyond physical fitness to encompass team bonding activities and performance-improving lectures. These elements are crucial considering our team environment where collective performance is paramount for achieving desired results."
"Unlike our usual routine during other camps and international series, we engaged in confidence-building exercises and team-building activities. Notably, we opted to share rooms, facilitating deeper connections among team members. These shared spaces fostered discussions ranging from strategic planning and team combinations to the evolution of cricket, latest innovations in the sport, analysis of opponents and our approach to each day's challenges."
"Given the upcoming cricket fixtures, this camp proves exceptionally valuable. It not only mitigates injury risks but also augments both individual skills and collective team performance."
The PCB have shared glimpses of the training camp on their social media space where the players have been seen doing different activities.
Watch the Video Here:
The decision to send the players for training camp after complaints were hauled up about their fitness during the ODI World Cup last year.
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