PCA goes strict on fitness level of players

Published Thu, May 13 10 07:51 PM

Chandigarh, May 13 (PTI) Concerned over deteriorating fitness standards of players, the Punjab Cricket Association has issued a stern warning to its cricketers, saying that only those would be selected in the state Ranji team who will meet certain fitness standards. The PCA is organising a pre-Ranji season camp and will select probables on May 16. They have chalked out a plan according to which players will have to concentrate on physical training and attend camps. Arrangements have been made with IPL side Kings XI Punjab''s Physiotherapist Patrick Farahat and Trainer Andrain Dius for camps in the off season. A MOU has been signed with them and they have been directed to draw a comprehensive off season plan. "They will be joined by the PCA physio and the trainers of various regional centers in this exercise," a statement by PCA Honorary Secretary M P Pandove said. Pandove said Twenty20 format has badly disturbed the approach and discipline of the youngsters. "The reasons are obvious. That is disproportionate remuneration between Twenty20 format of IPL and National tournaments like Ranji Trophy and Duleep Trophy which are alluring them to that brand of shorter version of cricket then state and national level cricket," he said. He regretted that the players ignored the running exercises which enabled them to build their stamina which is very essential for the longer version of the game. "Any player who does not conform to the fitness levels laid down shall not be considered for the state team even if he is playing elsewhere or any stature," he warned.

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