The fitness of a number 8 ranked ODI team versus that of a number 2 ranked team...

[MenInG]

Was there for all to see.

Yes we do not have international team visiting us, our domestic cricket may not be good but physical fitness is one that we can control.

Mohammad Amir and Azhar Ali with cramps is one example.

But watching Yuvraj Singh run and cut off a double and allow just a single was incredible to say the least.

Pakistan MUST fix their fitness issues if they are to compete with anyone above number 7 in the ODI rankings.

 

[Savak]

Mickey Arthur must have been working on getting the players fit for a long time. It is strange that the team is still not fit per international standards.

The problem is when you try to do so much in such little time, the body will break down. We are paying the price for ignoring fitness for a long time. And trust me, the coaching staff can only do so much, ultimately the players are responsible for their own training regimes, their own eating habits outside of the training camps and supervision of the coaches.

 

[MenInG]

Mickey Arthur must have been working on getting the players fit for a long time. It is strange that the team is still not fit per international standards.

The problem is when you try to do so much in such little time, the body will break down. We are paying the price for ignoring fitness for a long time. And trust me, the coaching staff can only do so much, ultimately the players are responsible for their own training regimes, their own eating habits outside of the training camps and supervision of the coaches.

And I dont like this Army Training camp lark. This is not the way forward.

 

[Chief Destroyer]

Fitness was not the issue. Skill level was. Our players are in good shape.

 

[Madplayer]

I seriously believe they arent following a proper diet honestly. Maybe they eat all those parathas and biryanis secretly and later burn off the calories.

Being thin is not always being fit.

Babar azam is like a stick.

 

[Madplayer]

Fitness was not the issue. Skill level was. Our players are in good shape.

Imad, sarfaraz arent exactly what u call fit. Amir and babar look malnourished. Shadab is too young so he would naturally be weaker. The only person who is actually fit is malik and somewhat hasan ali.

 

[ar2020]

I doubt they are eating properly.

 

[BlueAngel]

Long time lurker first time poster.

It comes to me as great surprize that many people here think that fitness is overrated, you get examples of Inzi, Boon etc from them to justify that pot belly isnt an issue if you have so called talent.

I wish cricket was a chess game where all fitness you need is to move your hands but sadly it isnt.
Cricket has changed like every other game and has become more competitive, a player and team will try to get any advantage over its adversary and fitness is a big component which gives you an advantage over others in sports.
Look at the past hockey players and current players, or badminton players or even tennis players.

A sportsmen stands out among common people, but sadly most of the pakistani players look like having a common men's fitness.

I have noticed that even Pandya, KL Rahul sport abs and i can tell you from personal experience that they are not easy to come by, it takes a lot of discipline among other things. Pakistan needs to improve its fitness, if nothing it has a dominating and superiority effect on opposing teams.

 

[Syed1]

I seriously believe they arent following a proper diet honestly. Maybe they eat all those parathas and biryanis secretly and later burn off the calories.

Being thin is not always being fit.

Babar azam is like a stick.

Saw a video of Wahab, Sarfaraz and I think it was Azhar having full desi dinner in some restaurant in Birmingham just days before the match.

 

[in_cutter]

I seriously believe they arent following a proper diet honestly. Maybe they eat all those parathas and biryanis secretly and later burn off the calories.

Being thin is not always being fit.

Babar azam is like a stick.

This

Bumped into a few at them at a desi restaurant. The other half were seen at a buffet restaurant. These guys do not look like athletes one bit. About Babar, he looks malnutritioned for sure.

They are pathetic.

 

[Saj]

The physique looks different.

Indian players look like athletes, the Pakistani players look like guys off the street brought onto the field to play cricket for their country.

 

[ar2020]

They need to be eating lean chicken, fish and seafood, steak every once in a while, and meat.

None of which in desi style covered in oil and curries.

 

[ar2020]

These guys are eating damn peasant food: naan, biryani, nihari. Food meant for poor people. When will these guys, athletes, realize this?

 

[idrizzy]

Mickey Arthur must have been working on getting the players fit for a long time. It is strange that the team is still not fit per international standards.

The problem is when you try to do so much in such little time, the body will break down. We are paying the price for ignoring fitness for a long time. And trust me, the coaching staff can only do so much, ultimately the players are responsible for their own training regimes, their own eating habits outside of the training camps and supervision of the coaches.

Fitness is a two way street. It's both upto the coach and the players. Coach must reinstate rules, regime and schedule for the players but the players ultimately have to follow that. Fitness is made in the kitchen and if the players aren't reaching any goals they shouldn't play. As in, there should be consequences for unfit players.

Also 1 year is more than enough time to get fit. Or at least lose weight.

 

[Savak]

Fitness is a two way street. It's both upto the coach and the players. Coach must reinstate rules, regime and schedule for the players but the players ultimately have to follow that. Fitness is made in the kitchen and if the players aren't reaching any goals they shouldn't play. As in, there should be consequences for unfit players.

Also 1 year is more than enough time to get fit. Or at least lose weight.

Mickey is trying his best. He already made an example out of Irfan and then Umar Akmal. There are still players in the side like Imad Wasim who should have been sent home for the same reason as Akmal.

Mickey must be frustrated with the complete lack of professionalism in Pakistan Cricket, he also realizes that he cant send the entire playing 11 home during the middle of the tour.

 

[in_cutter]

Mickey is trying his best. He already made an example out of Irfan and then Umar Akmal. There are still players in the side like Imad Wasim who should have been sent home for the same reason as Akmal.

Mickey must be frustrated with the complete lack of professionalism in Pakistan Cricket, he also realizes that he cant send the entire playing 11 home during the middle of the tour.

You are the same person who was crying that Waqar was 'over-training' the guys. Do you now realise the importance of fitness?

 

[Saj]

A few friends and relatives in Bimingham have seen the players out and about eating food that they shouldn't really be. In fact a friend of mine saw one of the players who played against India at a fast food outlet the night before the game.

I guess they can eat what they want, but fitness levels aren't great are they.

 

[troodon]

Pak cricketers except Amir look well fed.

Babar looks a bit unfit to me.

Hasan Ali looks the fittest of the lot.

 

[Sidilicious]

They need to be eating lean chicken, fish and seafood, steak every once in a while, and meat.

None of which in desi style covered in oil and curries.

Nah man. Even with desi food you can get a healthy athletes diet. I have been really looking into my food in the last few months in order to take my physical fitness to the next level. Normally, I would eat desi food half the times and western items the other half. If you are careful with desi food you can eat the required nutrients. Cutting down on any kind of rice and parathas is a start. My desi food normally includes tandoori or marinated chicken with some veggies. If I have to eat carbs, I would eat dal or chana. Its possible, but you do need to look out for it.

 

[King-Misbah]

Imad, sarfaraz arent exactly what u call fit. Amir and babar look malnourished. Shadab is too young so he would naturally be weaker. The only person who is actually fit is malik and somewhat hasan ali.

Hassan Ali looks like a stick - he is not fit. Just compare him with Starc.

 

[EliteCynical]

Long time lurker first time poster.

It comes to me as great surprize that many people here think that fitness is overrated, you get examples of Inzi, Boon etc from them to justify that pot belly isnt an issue if you have so called talent.

I wish cricket was a chess game where all fitness you need is to move your hands but sadly it isnt.
Cricket has changed like every other game and has become more competitive, a player and team will try to get any advantage over its adversary and fitness is a big component which gives you an advantage over others in sports.
Look at the past hockey players and current players, or badminton players or even tennis players.

A sportsmen stands out among common people, but sadly most of the pakistani players look like having a common men's fitness.

I have noticed that even Pandya, KL Rahul sport abs and i can tell you from personal experience that they are not easy to come by, it takes a lot of discipline among other things. Pakistan needs to improve its fitness, if nothing it has a dominating and superiority effect on opposing teams.

Good post. Welcome to PP

 

[Madplayer]

Saw a video of Wahab, Sarfaraz and I think it was Azhar having full desi dinner in some restaurant in Birmingham just days before the match.

This

Bumped into a few at them at a desi restaurant. The other half were seen at a buffet restaurant. These guys do not look like athletes one bit. About Babar, he looks malnutritioned for sure.

They are pathetic.

Compare this to someone like kohli for a moment. He has cometely overhauled his fitness regime and dietery habits. He proudly talks about his sacrifices coming off and providing results for him in every interview where he is asked about his fitness. He focuses on exercises which improve explosive power rather than simple weight training or cardio in isolation. All this with complete honesty, not just to show the world that he is exercising or dieting. This is dedication of the highest level. An obsession to become the best and stay the best.

Just imagine what standards he will set for other players as a captain, what culture he is going to start in his team. In next few years you will see even fitter and more agile Indian players.

And then we ask why the gap between india and Pakistan is widening.

 

[Madplayer]

Hassan Ali looks like a stick - he is not fit. Just compare him with Starc.

Starc is naturally like that..he always was and he has only improved the gifts he had. I would agree on Hasan that he isnt the fittest but i mentioned him as a comparison to his team mates who are worse.

 

[Savak]

Compare this to someone like kohli for a moment. He has cometely overhauled his fitness regime and dietery habits. He proudly talks about his sacrifices coming off and providing results for him in every interview where he is asked about his fitness. He focuses on exercises which improve explosive power rather than simple weight training or cardio in isolation. All this with complete honesty, not just to show the world that he is exercising or dieting. This is dedication of the highest level. An obsession to become the best and stay the best.

Just imagine what standards he will set for other players as a captain, what culture he is going to start in his team. In next few years you will see even fitter and more agile Indian players.

And then we ask why the gap between india and Pakistan is widening.

This is why i feel it is unfair to blame the PCB, the coaches, they are doing their best to provide the players with the best facilities and resources. This work ethic towards one's fitness, dietary, training and practicing on improving your skills is ultimately down to the players.

 

[Syed1]

This is why i feel it is unfair to blame the PCB, the coaches, they are doing their best to provide the players with the best facilities and resources. This work ethic towards one's fitness, dietary, training and practicing on improving your skills is ultimately down to the players.

Well some people only work danday ki zor pe. PCB should link a players match fees and contract category with fitness parameters and if he doesn't meet them then he should be at a monetary loss, if that doesn't motivate them I don't know what will.

 

[Savak]

Well some people only work danday ki zor pe. PCB should link a players match fees and contract category with fitness parameters and if he doesn't meet them then he should be at a monetary loss, if that doesn't motivate them I don't know what will.

The PCB did at one point and i believe Arthur will give his feedback to the board.