Peshawar: Pakistan captain Babar Azam termed the pre-season camp at Kakul a success and said it played an important role in preparing the players for the upcoming cricket season.
He said the camp helped strengthen unity and understanding among team members through strategically planned training and team bonding exercises.
Along with Babar Azam, Aamer Jamal, Azam Khan, Imad Wasim, Naseem Shah and Shadab Khan, he praised the facilities, atmosphere and support provided by qualified and experienced teachers. They also believe that the 11 days spent here will help them successfully overcome the challenges ahead and create a strong performance.
During the pre-season camp at the historic and beautiful Pakistan Military Academy in Kakul from March 26 to April 6, twenty nine cricketers participated in training and drills led by experts and strategists of the Pakistan Army. The camp focuses on building a team focused on improving players’ physical and mental strength and ensuring they are in the best possible condition to face the challenges ahead.
Under the guidance of experienced trainers and coaches, the players undergo a comprehensive training regimen designed to improve their level of fitness, agility, leadership, strategic thinking and overall performance on the field.
Pakistan captain Babar Azam said, “This is my third camp and I get new insights every visit. This time, we are more focused on team bonding activities and performance-enhancing talks than on physical ones. These elements are important given our team’s environment where performance collective is essential to achieve desired results.
A notable omission from the previous camp, he said, was the lack of cricket-centric activities. Instead, he focuses mainly on physical conditioning, teamwork and mental toughness.
“Immersed in such an inspiring facility under the guidance of a top-notch coach and a well-structured program, all players have experienced tremendous growth. I believe that we will return to competitive cricket as better athletes, cleaner and mentally strong, thereby improving performance all of us,” he said.
He further said, “Unlike what we usually do in other camps and international series, we have been involved in building trust and team building. In particular, we have chosen to share a room, facilitating a deeper connection between team members. This common area stimulates discussions starting from planning strategic and team combinations to the evolution of cricket, the latest developments in the sport, opponent analysis and our approach to daily challenges.
All-rounder Aamer Jamal said that this session is important to improve speed and stamina. “Given the altitude, unique training methods are necessary to ensure adequate oxygen flow to our muscles, and I believe this aspect is one of the most valuable moments from our time in Kakul,” he said.
Wicketkeeper Azam Khan said that rigorous training at high altitudes not only pushed him to his limits but also improved his overall fitness and strength significantly.
He said: “My main focus is building resilience and the teachers are fantastic in helping me. “Although I understand it’s a slow process, I feel I’m ready and equipped to absorb everything in this camp and continue to work to achieve required standards.”
All Imad Wasim: “Personally, I have benefited a lot because I have built up my health and strength. These sessions and drills are quite different from cricket-related drills, but I believe we will all benefit from them in game situations.
In terms of team bonding, time in Kakul is also important, he said. “I feel it’s important for the other players to be here, to spend time and get close to each other, and that closeness will definitely play an important role in our performance,” he said. .
Fast bowler Naseem Shah said that after some time out due to HBL Pakistan Super League, he is really happy to be back with the charge for future cricket challenges. Without a doubt, since every athlete wants to reach the highest level, physical fitness has been given a lot.
