The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to replace foreign physio Cliff Deacon amid growing concerns over the fitness standards of national cricketers, according to media reports.
South African physiotherapist Cliff Deacon had been associated with the Pakistan cricket team since 2018. However, the PCB has now decided not to retain his services as part of the team management going forward.
Local physio Iftikhar has been appointed in his place as part of the team management announced for the series against Australia.
According to sources, the board was dissatisfied with Cliff Deacon’s performance regarding the players’ fitness, and an advertisement had also been issued to appoint a new physio.
The newly appointed physiotherapist is set to join the national squad right away as preparations begin in Islamabad under head coach Mike Hesson and the supporting coaching staff.
PCB officials are hopeful that changes in the medical and fitness setup will lead to improved injury prevention, better workload monitoring, and enhanced player fitness standards ahead of upcoming international assignments.
In recent months, the board has faced criticism from cricket experts and supporters over the team’s recurring fitness problems, which have affected both player availability and overall performance. The latest move is being viewed as part of the PCB’s broader strategy to strengthen professionalism, discipline, and long-term team development.
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