Kamran Akmal unhappy with idea of online fitness tests

• In an interview, the 38-year-old expressing his displeasure over the tests, advised Pakistan head coach-cum-chief selector, Misbahul Haq, to alter his fitness policy.

It looks like that veteran Pakistan wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal is unhappy with Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB)’s idea of conducting online fitness tests, as the cricketer thinks that there is a room for alteration in the fitness policy.

In an interview, the 38-year-old expressing his displeasure over the tests, advised Pakistan head coach-cum-chief selector, Misbahul Haq, to alter his fitness policy.

“It becomes really difficult to give fitness tests after every two or three months during the season,” said Akmal, who represented Pakistan in 53 Tests, 157 one-day internationals (ODI) and 58 Twenty20 internationals.

“PCB should rather train players by setting up a camp in the off season,” he suggested. “This is what previous coaches like the late Bob Woolmer used to do, as too much training can cause injury to bowlers and also results in loss of stamina for batsmen.”

During the test on Saturday, Pakistan middle-order batsman Sohaib Maqsood sustain an injury. The right hander suffered a deep cut on his knees because of a broken glass table, while performing the necessary exercises for the test.

Akmal understands the importance of fitness, but he stressed that more emphasis should be given to skill development.

“Fitness is important but skill development needs more hardwork and players should spend more time in improving their skills,” he said. “Misbah himself understands that he has performed in international cricket for a long time due to his skills.”

The centrally contracted players appeared on their on line tests on Monday which have been designed by the strength and conditioning coach of the Pakistan team Yasir Malik.