The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has unveiled a new fitness policy aimed at standardizing fitness assessments for players participating in all tiers of domestic cricket. This initiative seeks to align fitness standards with the evolving demands of contemporary cricket.
Developed under the guidance of Director of Sports and Exercise Medicine Javed Mughal, the policy introduces a two-tier fitness evaluation system tailored to various age groups and competition levels. The framework is designed to be straightforward, dependable, and repeatable, while meeting the rigorous physical requirements of international cricket.
Set to be implemented throughout the 2026-27 domestic season, the policy encompasses all regional, departmental, district, and zonal teams across Pakistan. Tier 1 targets players from 20 regional teams, eight departmental first-class teams, and over 25 Grade-II departmental teams. These players will undergo 11 fitness tests, providing up to 17 scoring opportunities.
Meanwhile, Tier 2 includes senior district teams, Under-19 district squads, and Under-15 and Under-17 regional teams. Participants in this category will complete eight fitness tests, with a maximum of 12 scoring chances.
For Tier 1 players, up to seven red scores are permissible to pass the assessment; however, accumulating eight or more red scores results in failure, with one opportunity for a retest. Tier 2 players will fail if they receive six or more red scores.
Players who successfully pass the assessment will be re-evaluated approximately six months later, with the PCB expecting measurable progress from their initial results. Those who do not pass must retake the full battery of fitness tests rather than only the failed components.
The fitness evaluations will be conducted by PCB-approved strength and conditioning coaches at all levels. Results will be submitted to the National Cricket Academy and the PCB’s Medical and Sports Science Department for monitoring and further action.
