The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has made padel a mandatory part of long-term training camps for national cricketers, introducing the sport as part of its fitness and conditioning program.
A dedicated padel facility has also been established at the National Cricket Academy, allowing players to train on-site without travelling elsewhere. Alongside their regular cricket sessions, national cricketers will now take part in padel to boost fitness, agility, and overall athletic performance.
Director High Performance Aqib Javed told a private TV channel that padel sports are easy to play and beneficial for fitness. He said the sport is gaining popularity among players and, in the past, cricketers had to go to different places to play paddle sports, but that is no longer necessary. The aim is to provide players with an environment and facilities during extended camps that help improve their overall performance.
Aqib Javed said that during long camps, players do not need to focus only on cricket. It has been made mandatory for them to play padel sports every other day for around 40 minutes. He added that the sport will improve fitness, and because of its constant movement and quick reactions, it is also closely linked to fielding skills.
He further said that basketball courts are also part of the project, and cricketers will benefit from playing basketball as well. A game room is also being developed for players, where they will be able to enjoy activities such as snooker and other games.
Aqib Javed said that top players around the world do not only focus on their main sport; they also participate in other activities and games, which help improve their overall abilities and performance.
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