PCB chief says Kakul training to make cricketers ‘more disciplined' amid ‘captaincy controversy'

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi Monday met players of the national men's team at the Pakistan Military Academy in Kakul and said the training would make them “more disciplined” in future.

His remarks came amid the ongoing controversy surrounding the captaincy of T20 team as former skipper Shaheen Shah Afridi was reportedly unhappy with the board’s abrupt decision of his removal. The PCB on Sunday reappointed Babar Azam as national team's captain for T20I and one-day internationals (ODIs).

Sources privy to the matter, however, termed Naqvi’s meeting with the cricketers as a “damage-control move”.

In a statement, the PCB said that Naqvi visited Kakul in Abbottabad to “personally observe the ongoing fitness camp” being conducted by trainers from the Pakistan Army for Pakistan's T20 players.

The visit aimed at gathering firsthand insights into the training camp and to extend gratitude to the Army for their invaluable support in organising the camp, read the statement.

The fitness camp has been instrumental in enhancing the physical capabilities of the cricketers, ensuring they are in optimal condition for forthcoming cricketing assignments which also includes ICC T20 World Cup in June this year.

During his visit, the PCB chief interact with the players and personally commended them for their dedication and active participation in the camp.

He expressed satisfaction over the players' enthusiasm and commitment towards enhancing their fitness levels.

“I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Pakistan Army for their support to our cricketers. Their collaboration will not only enhance the fitness levels of our players but will also make them more disciplined in future,” Naqvi said.

"This camp will surely put the players in good stead before undertaking a challenging journey leading to a global tournament in the USA and West Indies.”

The PCB remains dedicated to providing comprehensive support to its players, equipping them with the necessary tools and resources to excel at the international level, he added.

Meanwhile, the PCB chairman also held a meeting with the selection committee to talk about the team’s selection ahead of the New Zealand T20I series. He also took the members into confidence on the developments made by the board regarding the appointment of head coach.