Pakistani players during a training session at Kakul Military Academy in Abbottabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. X photo

Pakistan cricket team players have showered praise on their time during the Pakistan Military Academy Kakul fitness training camp terming it as an important experience with regards to the team-bonding experience as well as an improvement in their physical fitness.

At least 29 players participated physical fitness camp in Abbottabad, established in collaboration with the Pakistan Army, from March 26 to April 6 which saw the cricketers going through various training drills to amplify their physical and mental strength and prepare for on-field challenges in the upcoming home T20I series against New Zealand, the away T20I series against Ireland and England.

Captain Babar Azam, Shadab Khan, Amir Jamal, Imad Wasim, Naseem Shah, Azam Khan and others are all praise for the camp.

They also believed the 11 days spent at the location will help them successfully overcome the demands of upcoming challenges and contribute in producing strong performances.

Fakhar Zaman during a training session with team coach at the Kakul academy.

During the camp, there was a focus on team building aimed to enhance the physical and mental strength of the players, ensuring they were in the best condition to face the challenges ahead.

Under the guidance of experienced trainers and coaches, the players underwent a comprehensive training regime tailored to elevate their fitness levels, agility, leadership, strategic thinking and overall performance on the field.

Babar Azam has termed the pre-season camp in Kakul as highly successful, adding that it not only contributed to preparing the players for the long and challenging cricket season ahead but also strengthened unity and understanding amongst the group through strategically designed team bonding exercises and drills.

Pakistani players during a training session at Kakul academy.

He opined that team members’ stay in the camp will benefit them immensely at the international level. "This was my third such camp,” he said, adding, "Whenever I joined the camp, I got an opportunity to learn new things.”

The skipper has said that the main purpose of the camp was to create unity in the team and that a lot of work was done in the camp on this front. "I don’t think we will be worried about our physical fitness now after having undergone training at the camp,” Babar has said, and added, "For me, the most memorable moment during stay at the camp was when batsman Azam Khan scaled a mountain peak.”

Babar Azam said: "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.”

He said 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.

"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,” the captain said.

Another team member and all-rounder Shadab Khan has said that such a camp was quite necessary ahead of the World Cup.

"It has been a new experience training at these marvelous facilities under the watchful eyes of the Pakistan Army trainers. Undoubtedly, all the cricketers will return with improved fitness levels and standards that will significantly contribute when they take the field in the upcoming challenges. The fitter our players are during the season, the greater our chances of success will be."

Another cricketer and all-rounder Amir Jamal has said that despite the fact that such a camp was a new experience for him, he at last got accustomed to it. "Before any tournament, unity and cohesion in the team is of great importance and the camp helped us achieve this goal,” the player has said.

All-rounder Imad Wasim has said that although the training members of the cricket team underwent at the camp was different from routine training sessions, still it proved to be quite useful. "Pakistan Army’s trainers worked a lot on the fitness of the players,” he has said.

Pacer Naseem Shah has said much of the attention remained focused on increasing the stamina of cricketers. "This will be of immense benefit to us in Test cricket because this format of the game demands greater stamina,” he opined.

Wicketkeeper-batter Azam Khan has said "the rigorous training at higher altitudes has not only pushed us to our limits but has also markedly enhanced our overall fitness and strength. The picturesque location, steeped in history and achievements, served as a massive source of motivation for all of us, inspiring active participation in the drills and prompting us to make the most of this opportunity.”

"One of the most valuable aspects of this session has been the fostering of team bonding. We utilised this time to deepen our understanding of each other, drawing significant positive energy from these bonding exercises."

NNI News Service