PCB to conduct virtual fitness tests in COVID-19 lockdown period

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is all set to conduct a virtual fitness test for its players amid the massive coronavirus outbreak. The world is in a lockdown due to the novel virus, but the PCB has turned no stone down in taking care of the cricketers. The tests will be conducted on April 20 and 21. Earlier, the contracted players were to undergo the tests on March 23 and 24.

However, the pandemic resulted in delaying the same. Currently, the players are spending their time at home with their family. While staying in quarantine, they have uploaded videos where they have been seen, exercising tirelessly even without proper gym equipment.

PCB’s tests have been designed in a way so as to monitor how the players have been keeping up with their fitness while staying at home. It has also been learned that Misbah-ul-Haq, the Pakistan head coach, and trainer Yasir Malik have iterated the cricketers about their obligation to stay fit.

PCB wants 100 percent dedication from the team members

“With all the limitations and lack of resources at the moment, we have chalked out this new fitness battery with everyone given an equal opportunity,” a message from Misbah and Malik read, reported by ESPNcricinfo.

“We have to make sure that we are giving our hundred percent. You have been informed well before time to make sure you are mentally and physically ready for it. All the tests will be carried out on video link by your team’s trainers,” the statement further read.

The new fitness test needs a player to perform 30 burpees, 60 push-ups and 50 sit-ups. For completing each of the drill, they will be given a minute each. Also, a player needs to do 10 complete chin-ups in a single attempt. The test also includes 2.5 metre standing broad jump, 25 Bulgarian split squads, reverse planks for two minutes and a yo-yo test with a passing mark of 18.

The Pakistan players were recently a part of the 2020 edition of the PSL, which had to be halted before the semi-finals. Moreover, their only ODI and a Test against Bangladesh at the National Stadium in Karachi were also postponed.