PCB set to reintroduce Yo-Yo test to ensure top fitness for Pakistan cricketers

After a disappointing T20 World Cup 2024 campaign, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is leaving no stone unturned in their quest to bring back the glory days. To improve the fitness standards of players in the country, the cricket governing body is set to revive the Yo-Yo test.

In the past, the Yo-Yo test was conducted irregularly but the new Director of Domestic Cricket, Khurram Niazi, has approved a comprehensive model to enhance the fitness levels of Pakistani players. According to the model, the fitness tests will be conducted in two phases, beginning on July 11. In the first phase, tests will be held across the country, starting at the district level before shifting up to the regional level.

PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi has also given his nod of approval for the latest fitness initiative. Players who fail the fitness tests will risk the danger of being dropped from both national and regional teams. Niazi has emphasised that passing the fitness tests, including the Yo-Yo test, is now an essential criterion for regional contracts and the selection of teams. No player will be exempted from taking these tests, be it Test cricketers, international players, or those playing at the national level.

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Mohammad Hafeez lashed out at Pakistan team management for relaxing fitness standards

Previously, former Pakistan team director Mohammad Hafeez revealed that the Yo-Yo test and other fitness assessments had been ditched when Mickey Arthur and Grant Bradburn were spearheading the Pakistan Cricket Team. Hafeez spoke about his disappointment on the Club Prairie Fire podcast, sharing a conversation with the team’s trainer, who admitted to following the previous management’s guidelines to relax fitness standards.

With the reintroduction of the Yo-Yo test, the PCB is looking to ensure that Pakistan's cricket players match up with some of the supremely fit sides in world cricket.

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The Men in Green are set to play two Test matches against Bangladesh at home in August 2024. This series is a part of the 2023-2025 World Test Championship cycle. Pakistan are placed at No. 5 on the points table, while Bangladesh are languishing at the Number 8 spot.