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“I observed that Umar Akmal was not fit and I feel Imad has also put on weight" : Wasim Akram

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http://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2017/01/14/wasim-akhtar-reveals-pcb-fitness-tests-reality/

Bowling legend Wasim Akram on Friday revealed a funny incident of how fitness tests of players are carried out by Pakistan Cricket Board.

“I had a fitness test back in 2000,” said Wasim. “I had a problem in my groin and they were checking my shoulder. They asked me to throw the ball. I was thinking what is the relation of throwing a ball with my groin? I threw the ball out of the stadium. They told me I was alright; no one checked my groin.”

The incident came to light during the post-match analysis on PTV Sports of the first ODI which Pakistan lost to Australia by 92 runs.

The former left-arm pacer was accompanied by former Pakistan fast-bowler Shoaib Akhtar, former captain Rashid Latif and former batsman Mohammad Wasim.

Wasim then highlighted right-hand batsman Umar Akmal and all-rounder Imad Wasim’s withering fitness.

“I observed that Umar was not fit,” said Wasim. “He was setting his shirt again and again [to hide his belly fat]. I feel Imad has also put on weight. Both of them I believe were dropped from their Bangladesh Premier League team matches. Now who is supposed to check their fitness levels when they were not with the team?”

On a lighter note, Wasim also talked about former left-hand opener Saeed Anwar of how he managed to come out fit in all tests during his playing days.

“When we used to have fitness tests in our time, who would come out on top always? Saeed – because he would befriend all doctors. We would keep training and he would get away by showing the medical certificate,” he explained.
 
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Funnily enough wasn't there a story back in the day when Wasim Akram claimed to have an injury and wasn't willing to play a game, and later it was found out he wasn't actually injured and was doing it to miss that specific game...?
 
Yeah I definitely noticed Imad has put on weight and UA has always been overweight and he is even fatter now.
 
The last line was like gold - we knew that if somehow Saeed can stay on his feet for a 80+, he won't field.
 
Umar Akmal has put on a LOT more weight. It just shows how dedicated he is to the sport and to playing for Pakistan.
 
So funny to hear syed Anwar story. I always enjoyed listing to Akram & shoaib comments. I'm missing my childhood days of watching my heroes Wasim , Anwar , Shoaib, Inzi , Moin. Feeling Nostalgic
 
One more thing how shameless these "legends" admitting what they used to do and now have guts to go after today's players. Wish someone tell them these were standards you guys have set in past and u were role model for these next generation of players. New players are just following your footsteps.
 
Watched this show - "Game on hai" (thanks for correcting [MENTION=138463]Slog[/MENTION] bhai)

Not the greatest discussions but some valid points by Waz regarding UA's fitness. He was also advocating for Shehzad's return.
 
Umar Akmal's fitness is an absolute disgrace indicative of his lack of desire to maximise his potential. Just happy to coast on "natural talent" and yet gets a free pass from his supporters.

These stories are indicative of the lack of professionalism in Pakistan cricket when it comes to fitness and the culture Mickey Arthur must confront.

We could make a start by ensuring every domestic team hires a full-time fitness coach and nutritionist.
 
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