Cricketers say Kakul camp ‘much more than just fitness’

ISLAMABAD: As the national cricketers started gathering in Islamabad for today’s (Monday) Iftar-dinner reception to be hosted by Chief of the Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir, team captain Babar Azam termed the Kakul’s fitness camp as highly successful, achieving all the targets ahead of the demanding international schedule starting with the series against New Zealand.

The Kakul camp that concluded the other day was an effort to help cricketers attain a fitness level to counter growing international challenges. The newly reinstated captain said that the camp achieved more than just physical fitness.

“It also strengthened unity and understanding amongst the group through strategically designed team bonding exercises and drills. This is my third camp here. This camp was more to achieve team unity and bonding and I am happy that we have also achieved that target. Through lectures and training before and after Iftar helped us achieve team unity in a better way. Usually, we don’t share rooms but here we did that also which gave us more opportunity to talk on different issues. Players stayed together most of the time during prayers, Iftar which helped us make the best of the opportunity coming our way to discuss different things. I think all players are fully fit now and ready to face tough challenges ahead of us.”

Babar added that last time the team went through such a camp in 2017, there were hardly any fitness or injury worries.

“I hope that this camp will also keep us injury-free throughout the upcoming year. Immersed in such an inspiring facility, guided by top-notch instructors and a well-structured programme, all the players have experienced a significant growth. I’m confident that we’ll return to competitive cricket as better, fitter, and mentally tougher athletes, thereby enhancing our overall performance.”

Babar was joined by Aamer Jamal, Azam Khan, Imad Wasim, Naseem Shah and Shadab Khan in paying tribute to the facilities, atmosphere, and support of the highly trained and skilled instructors. They also believed that 11 days spent at the location would help them successfully overcome the demands of upcoming challenges and contribute to producing strong performances.

“These sessions were instrumental in enhancing both our speed and endurance. Given the high altitude of this location, unique training methods were necessary to ensure sufficient oxygen flow to our muscles, and I believe this aspect was one of the most valuable takeaways from our time here in Kakul.

“Visiting this iconic facility was truly once-in-a-lifetime experience. The exceptional care and treatment we received added an extra layer of enjoyment and reward to this pre-season camp,” all-rounder Aamer Jamal said.

Azam Khan also praised the outcome saying: “The rigorous training at higher altitude has not only pushed us to our limits but has also markedly enhanced our overall fitness and strength. My primary focus has been on enhancing my endurance, and the instructors have been incredibly supportive in this endeavor. While I understand that this is a gradual process, I feel well-prepared and equipped to assimilate all the learnings from this camp and continue working towards achieving the required standards.”

Imad Wasim said that the camp worked wonders in his rehab: “Personally, I benefited tremendously as I was already focused on my rehabilitation and strength. These sessions and drills were markedly different from cricket-related training, but we dedicated extra hours and I’m confident this will benefit all of us in match situations.

“The time in Kakul was also crucial from a team bonding perspective. I’ve sensed, and I’m sure other players too have felt that it was valuable to be here, spend time together and grow closer to each other. This closeness will undoubtedly play a significant role in our performances.”