A comprehensive skills development camp for national cricketers officially began in Lahore on Monday, with several prominent players, including Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, actively participating in training sessions focused on enhancing their fitness and overall performance. The camp, being conducted at the LCCA Ground under the direct supervision of National Cricket Academy (NCA) coaches, is structured into three distinct phases. The initial phase involves 15 players, with a strong emphasis on refining their fielding, batting techniques, and general physical conditioning.
According to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), the morning session commenced with intensive fielding drills, in which both Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan were notably engaged. Batting coach Hanif Malik, alongside other NCA coaches, oversaw dedicated batting practice sessions aimed at perfecting technique and optimizing shot selection. Participants also engaged in gym activities to further improve their physical preparedness. A PCB spokesperson stated that the camp’s overarching objective is to elevate individual skill levels and ensure the cricketers are well-prepared for their upcoming domestic and international commitments.
The 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 subsequent second and third phases of the camp are scheduled to commence on June 23 and June 30, respectively, with additional players expected to join in the ensuing weeks. Officials emphasized that this program is an integral part of the PCB’s long-term strategy to bolster the national talent pool through consistent, skill-focused training and effective fitness management.