Cricket team's fitness training at Abbottabad army base ends

The 20-member Pakistani cricket team squad has been confined to a spartan military base in Abbottabad in a bid to improve fitness and discipline.
Fitness has been Pakistan's weakness in recent years, with Shoaib Akhtar, Mohammad Asif and Abdul Razzaq's absence from the World Cup considered the main reason for a humiliating first-round exit. It prompted the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to ask the army for help.
"The players were initially frightened about the concept but once they started enjoying exercises they did extra work," instructor Major Mohammad Arif told AFP after a trekking session this week. "They are now demanding similar camps in future," he added. Arif said the course, which ends Friday, would leave them ready to face Australia. "Sports mean fitness and if the players continue to train in army ways, I am sure they can compete with Australia in fitness," Arif said.
The Wallabies conducted a similar camp in Queensland last year intended to sharpen fitness and mental strength ahead of the Ashes against England. They thrashed their rivals 5-0. The army trainer described mercurial all-rounder Shahid Afridi as the fittest player in the squad. The players lived in the army mess and also followed strict dress codes and timings, something manager Talat Ali said would improve their discipline.