The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is planning to send a group of cricketers to the United States for a four-month development programme focused on power-hitting, fitness, and rehabilitation. The initiative is aimed at enhancing players’ skills through modern training methods and exposure to a different high-performance environment.
The initiative is designed to provide players with exposure to modern training techniques and a different sporting environment as part of their long-term development. White-ball coach Mike Hesson said the programme is intended to broaden players’ experience and introduce them to new methods of preparation and performance enhancement.
In an interview, Mike Hesson has confirmed PCB is exploring the possibility of sending a group of cricketers abroad as part of a proposed development programme focused on power-hitting, injury rehabilitation, and exposure to different training methods and environments.
Among the players being considered is 18-year-old Raza, regarded as one of Pakistan’s most promising white-ball fast-bowling prospects.
Raza played a key role in Pakistan’s ACC Under-19 Asia Cup triumph last year, taking 4 for 42 in the final against India, including the crucial wicket of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. Earlier this year, he further boosted his reputation with a hat-trick for Peshawar Zalmi in the 11th edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), finishing the tournament with 10 wickets in five matches at an economy rate of 9.78.
Although he is yet to make his international debut, Raza has been named in Pakistan’s squad for the upcoming Asian Games. The PCB is keen to carefully manage his workload and fitness as he continues his development towards international cricket.
Speaking about the broader approach to fast bowlers, Hesson said the focus is on building strength and durability to handle the demands of the international game.
“There are no more injury concerns for fast bowlers here than anywhere else in the world,” Hesson said. “We’re working with Ali Raza to make sure he becomes strong and fit enough to cope with international cricket.
“It’s challenging to bowl multiple spells and maintain a high pace consistently. We know he can be very effective at his top speed, but as the pressure increases, it also takes a toll on the body. He needs to build his physical resilience to handle those demands,’ he added.
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