Lahore Qalandars secure services of a new fitness trainer for PSL 3

With the third season of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) set to kickoff from February, the teams have started off with their penultimate preparations. And in a bid to bolster their squad for the upcoming edition, the Lahore Qalandars franchise have secured the services of Richard Stonier, an England-based fitness trainer, to work with the team during the tournament.

Stonier will join the franchise for the pre-tournament camp in Lahore in February if reports are to be believed. He is also working with Pakistan domestic team, Sui Sothern Gas Company, which gives him an understanding of fitness level of Pakistani cricketers. Stonier is extremely upbeat after securing the deal with the PSL franchise and looks ecstatic to share his experience with Qalandars’ players.

Speaking about the recent signing. CEO of Lahore Qalandars, Atif Rana on Thursday said, “Stonier is a skillful trainer & an immensely experienced fitness professional with over a decade of experience.”

He added, “He will be here for the pre-tournament camp to work with our players. The camp is likely to commence in the first week of February.”

Qalandars to bear a new look in the upcoming edition

The Lahore franchise has made quite a few changes to their team setup for PSL 3. Last month, former fast bowler Aqib Javed was roped in as the new head coach. Aqib will be replacing Paddy Upton, who was at the helm for the first two seasons of the PSL. Upton, however, didn’t enjoy much success during his stint as the Qalandars finished at the bottom on both the occasion.

In the interim, former cricketers Kabir Khan and Atiq uz-Zaman have also joined the Qalandar setup as a coaching staff. Top order batsman Fakhar Zaman, meanwhile, has been promoted as the vice-captain of the team. He will be the deputy of Qalandars skipper Brendon McCullum. Thus, with a new look and a rejuvenated energy, the team will aim to better their previous shortcomings.

PSL 3 is slated to start from February 22, with the opening fixture set to be played between defending champions Peshawar Zalmi and new entrants Multan Sultans.