Pakistani Cricketers Ordered to Play Padel to Maintain Fitness

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has made padel sports mandatory for national cricketers during long-duration training camps at the National Cricket Academy.

A padel facility has also been set up at the academy, allowing players to take part in the sport without having to travel elsewhere.

The move is aimed at improving players’ fitness, movement, and fielding through a sport that is easy to play and physically demanding.

Director High Performance Aqib Javed said padel is simple, enjoyable, and useful for fitness. He said players previously had to travel to play padel, but they can now use the facility at the academy alongside their cricket training.

Aqib said the board wants to provide players with an environment and facilities during long camps that can help improve their overall game.

He added that players do not need to play only cricket during extended camps. Under the new plan, cricketers will be required to play padel every second day for around 40 minutes.

According to Aqib, the sport is directly linked to fielding because of the movement involved and can help players improve their agility and fitness.

He also said basketball courts are part of the plan, as playing basketball can also benefit cricketers.

The academy is also working on a game room for players, which will include snooker and other indoor games.

Aqib said athletes around the world do not limit themselves to their main sport and often take part in other games to improve their fitness and performance.