LAHORE Due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, all cricket activities in Pakistan have been put on hold. Players have been training at their respective homes while the selection committee has started planning about the future course of action. The head coach-cum-chief selector Misbahul Haq does not want to waste time during these dire circumstances. He is in constant contact with the provincial selectors so that the camps can be conducted as soon as the situation becomes better. The camp will include centrally contracted players along with the top performers of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season five. The players will be tested in different combinations to assess their skills for all formats of the game. According to the existing plans, the camp that would be conducted after the situation becomes better will focus on all key aspects of the players such as fitness, batting, bowling and fielding. Plans are being made in order to hold matches during these camps as well. The camps would aim to prepare the players for international cricket. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has already clarified that they cannot grant permission for any cricket tournament to take place in the month of Ramadan. The holy month is likely to begin on April 25. According to the schedule, Pakistan was expected to hold the National One-Day Cup followed by tours to Ireland, Holland and England. These tours however are not confirmed due to the current circumstances. After online coaching mechanisms, an online fitness test is also being discussed.According to sources, the players’ fitness tests will be taken through video calls on April 20. This plan will be executed in multiple stages. This new mechanism has been created so that the players focus on their fitness during these dire circumstances. The players have already received comprehensive fitness plans from the trainers and coaches. Now the players will be briefed on the workings of the virtual fitness test soon. Domestic cricketers have also been instructed to reach out to their team’s respective trainers. A proper physical fitness test is now expected to take place in June due to the ongoing circumstances. Misbah had already instructed all players to focus on their fitness during these testing times.—AP
