“If I could discover that M Irfan is not fit in half an hour then anyone can" : Shoaib Akhtar

[MenInG]

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

Shoaib, on the point of highlighting the real problem with Pakistan cricket, said that Mohammad Irfan, the towering fast-bowler, who had to return to the country because of his mother’s death, was not completely fit for the Australia series.

“I saw Irfan in Lahore and told him he was not fit,” said Shoaib. “If I could discover that in half an hour then anyone can. He gave his fitness trial after being selected in the squad for Australia. And they were using the same redundant techniques for checking his fitness.”

Shoaib also said that the problem lies within the system of the PCB and not in players. The performance on the field is just a reflection of how bad things are in the board.

“We still have the same trainers; the mindset is the same. You cannot improve things like this. I can see things deteriorating from here onwards. I didn’t want to say this but I am totally hopeless,” he said.

“Inspiration will provide you with talent till a certain point. If you do not have a system after that, if you do not have fairness, there is no justice, then average people start taking over and talent starts to disappear,” he added.

 

[Slog]

Some funny comments on the show

Apparently Saeed Anwar always used to top the fitness tests. Then Wasim etc found out he had a 'setting' with the team doctors

 

[pakistani pride]

And what exactly are you guys doing? Sitting there and just complaining after every single defeat.

 

[Chief Destroyer]

This is not new. Irfan quite often finds his way around fitness tests. It seems the incompetent bunch at NCA don't know how to prepare him for match fitness.

 

[JaDed]

And what exactly are you guys doing? Sitting there and just complaining after every single defeat.

Seeing how Waqar was treated one can't really blame them for taking the easier route.

 

[Asim2Good]

shoaib should b last person to talk about fitness

 

[MMHS]

shoaib should b last person to talk about fitness

But, he was extremely fit to be honest. The amount of stress he put on his body, anyone else won't have survived 3 years. Even in his late 30s, he clocked 145km+. He was born with some issues in arm & knee (which might have benefited him for his pace), but he worked harder than anyone to bowl that fast. Also, I believe, he was comfortably the fastest sprinter in the team.

Just a poorly managed fast bowler - someone like Wasim or Imran as Captain could have earned his almost twice the number of International wickets. Fragile, but not twisted.

 

[Asim2Good]

But, he was extremely fit to be honest. The amount of stress he put on his body, anyone else won't have survived 3 years. Even in his late 30s, he clocked 145km+. He was born with some issues in arm & knee (which might have benefited him for his pace), but he worked harder than anyone to bowl that fast. Also, I believe, he was comfortably the fastest sprinter in the team.

Just a poorly managed fast bowler - someone like Wasim or Imran as Captain could have earned his almost twice the number of International wickets. Fragile, but not twisted.

Joke of the century

2nd part, no that would be if he had played for Australia, in his own words IIRC

 

[MRSN]

Joke of the century

2nd part, no that would be if he had played for Australia, in his own words IIRC

I think you are mixing his injury prone career to his fitness habits. He used to work really hard on his fitness. Only on his last recall he had put some weight but still could bowl his quota of overs and was bowling 140+.

 

[Red Devil]

shoaib should b last person to talk about fitness

An unfit bowler can't bowl 160+ kph. He was a supreme athlete.

 

[TalentSpotterPk]

shoaib should b last person to talk about fitness

Shoaib was naturally unfit but he worked very very hard on his fitness since his School & College days. This is why he bowled most number of 155 + kph deliveries since 1990.

 

[Gabbar Singh]

Bit harsh to call out Irfan like this so publically given his personal circumstances at the moment.

Although the point itself is probably a valid one. The PCB should be more professional when it comes to fitness, fitness tests etc.

 

[msb314]

shoaib should b last person to talk about fitness

But, he was extremely fit to be honest. The amount of stress he put on his body, anyone else won't have survived 3 years. Even in his late 30s, he clocked 145km+. He was born with some issues in arm & knee (which might have benefited him for his pace), but he worked harder than anyone to bowl that fast. Also, I believe, he was comfortably the fastest sprinter in the team.

Just a poorly managed fast bowler - someone like Wasim or Imran as Captain could have earned his almost twice the number of International wickets. Fragile, but not twisted.

I think you are mixing his injury prone career to his fitness habits. He used to work really hard on his fitness. Only on his last recall he had put some weight but still could bowl his quota of overs and was bowling 140+.

An unfit bowler can't bowl 160+ kph. He was a supreme athlete.

Shoaib was naturally unfit but he worked very very hard on his fitness since his School & College days. This is why he bowled most number of 155 + kph deliveries since 1990.

Shoaib was very well built and muscular and hence had a sprinters body.

He was not lean enough to have stamina and endurance for long periods of time like IK, Asif, McGrath, Johnson etc.

He injury to his knees also did not help.

Should have focused less of muscle work and more on cardio.

Regardless - there is no comparison between Irfan and Shoaib. Shoaib was one of the best of his generation and far more professional than Irfan.