The Pakistan cricket squad, led by the newly-instated white ball captain Babar Azam, engaged in military exercises during their intensive two-week training stint at the Army School of Physical Training (ASPT) in Kakul.
Organized by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), this unique collaboration with the army was aimed at enhancing the players’ physical and mental fortitude. Captured in a video shared by the PCB on social media, the players were observed undergoing rigorous workouts, indicating a departure from conventional training routines.
📹 A candid peek into the Pakistan team's training at the Army School of Physical Training (ASPT), Kakul 🏃#PAKvNZ | #BackTheBoysInGreen pic.twitter.com/d2DRn9miie
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) March 31, 2024
This initiative comes at a time of turbulence within Pakistan’s cricketing sphere, with Babar Azam reclaiming his leadership mantle from Shaheen Afridi amidst ongoing challenges. The comprehensive training regimen at the army camp included drills and exercises designed to foster discipline, teamwork, and resilience among the players.
Notably, the roster featured prominent names such as Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi, showcasing the participation of key figures in this novel training endeavour.
Babar Azam reappointed as White ball captain again
The decision to reinstate Babar Azam as the white-ball captain, replacing Shaheen Shah Afridi, was prompted by a lacklustre performance in a recent series against New Zealand, which saw Pakistan suffer a 1-4 defeat.
This move, endorsed by the PCB selection committee, underscores the board’s commitment to revitalizing the team’s leadership and strategic direction. Babar Azam’s swift return to captaincy reflects his stature as a pivotal figure in Pakistan’s cricketing landscape.
Amidst speculation surrounding Babar Azam’s tenure and aspirations, discussions during a meeting with PCB Chief Mohsin Naqvi in Lahore reportedly revolved around the possibility of Babar assuming leadership of the Test side as well. This indicates Babar’s ambition to expand his captaincy role across all formats, signalling a potential shift in Pakistan’s cricketing leadership hierarchy.
The Pakistan cricket team’s participation in military drills signifies a proactive approach towards instilling discipline and resilience, while Babar Azam’s reinstatement as captain reflects a strategic move to rejuvenate the team’s performance and leadership dynamics in the upcoming tournaments.
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