Skills Development Camp
LAHORE: A comprehensive skills development camp for Pakistan’s national cricketers officially kicked off in Lahore on Monday, with several top players — including Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan — actively participating in the training programme.
Organised by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), the camp is part of a strategic initiative to boost player fitness, refine technical abilities, and enhance overall performance ahead of upcoming domestic and international fixtures.
Held at the iconic LCCA Ground, the camp is being conducted under the supervision of the National Cricket Academy (NCA) coaching staff and is structured into three distinct phases.
The first phase, which began this week, includes 15 carefully selected players who will undergo focused training in key areas such as fielding, batting, and physical conditioning.
The opening morning session saw players engaging in high-intensity fielding drills, with star performers Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan leading by example. Batting sessions followed, guided by coach Hanif Malik alongside other NCA staff, with special attention given to improving shot selection, timing, and technical refinement.
In addition to on-field activities, the players participated in strength and conditioning exercises in the gym as part of a broader effort to build endurance and minimize injury risk.
According to a PCB spokesperson, the camp aims not just to prepare the players for upcoming tours but also to ensure a long-term improvement in individual skills and fitness management.
The 15 players participating in the first phase include Abrar Ahmed, Ahmed Daniyal, Babar Azam, Hassan Nawaz, Moaz Sadaqat, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Aamir Jamal, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza, and Sufyan Muqeem.
The second and third phases of the camp are set to commence on June 23 and June 30, respectively, and will see additional players joining the training sessions.
PCB officials highlighted that this programme is a vital component of the board’s long-term vision to develop a robust and competitive national cricket squad through consistent and targeted training regimes.
By investing in the physical and technical development of its elite players, the PCB hopes to cultivate a deeper, more adaptable talent pool capable of delivering consistent performances across formats and conditions.
