Muhammad Hafeez highlights fitness neglect under Babar Azam's leadership before ODI World Cup

Muhammad Hafeez, the former director of Pakistan cricket, has raised concerns over the team's fitness regime under the leadership of ex-captain Babar Azam and the guidance of foreign coaches Mickey Arthur and Grant Bradburn before the ODI World Cup in India. The Pakistani team, led by Babar at that time, was unable to progress beyond the league games, securing a spot below the semifinals with five losses in nine matches, resulting in a fifth-place finish.

Following a series of unsuccessful tours in Australia and New Zealand, Hafeez's contract with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) was not extended. His tenure as team director began in late 2023, after Pakistan's disappointing performance in the World Cup. However, challenges persisted as Pakistan faced a whitewash in Australia's Test series and a 4-1 defeat in the T20I series against New Zealand.

Hafeez disclosed his efforts to revamp the team's fitness strategy upon assuming his role. "When I took over as director and we reached Australia, I emphasized the importance of fitness and requested a new regimen," Hafeez stated. He was taken aback to learn from the team trainer that Babar and Arthur had previously downplayed fitness, opting instead to let players engage without restrictions.

"This approach to fitness was alarming," Hafeez noted, revealing that the team's physical condition was significantly below par for international cricket. He pointed out the inadequate endurance levels and excessive body fat percentages among players, with some unable to complete a basic two-km run and exceeding the normal body fat limits.

Reflecting on the importance of fitness in contemporary cricket, Hafeez recalled the strict fitness protocols during the 2017 Champions Trophy in England, where a player was even sent home for failing a fitness test. This emphasis on physical readiness contributed to Pakistan's victory in the tournament, even with Arthur serving as head coach back then.

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(With PTI inputs)