PCB Makes Padel Mandatory for Pakistan Cricketers at National Cricket Academy to Boost Fitness
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has implemented a mandatory padel training regime for its national cricketers at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Lahore, announced on July 15, 2026. This initiative requires players to participate in 40-minute padel sessions on alternate days during long training camps.
In a significant move aimed at elevating the fitness standards and overall athletic development of its national cricketers, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has mandated the inclusion of padel in their training routines. The announcement, made on July 15, 2026, by High Performance Director Aaqib Javed, confirms that players attending long training camps at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Lahore will now be required to participate in regular padel sessions. Pakistan Squad for West Indies and England Tours Announced: Babar Azam Reinstated As Test Captain; Shaheen Shah Afridi Dropped.
The decision comes as part of the PCB's broader initiative to modernize its high-performance structure and provide a more engaging and comprehensive training environment. New padel courts have been established at the NCA, eliminating the need for players to travel elsewhere to enjoy the rapidly growing racket sport.
Why Padel?
Aaqib Javed highlighted the rationale behind integrating padel into the national training program. He explained that the fast-paced nature of padel directly correlates with the movement patterns essential in cricket, particularly for fielding. "Padel will be compulsory every alternate day. The sport improves fitness, while its movement patterns are directly linked to fielding, making it highly beneficial for cricketers," Javed stated. The sport is expected to enhance quick reactions, sharp footwork, rapid changes of direction, agility, and overall physical conditioning.
Beyond the physical benefits, the PCB aims to address mental fatigue often associated with demanding, long-duration training camps. Javed noted that exposing players to different sporting environments, rather than limiting them solely to cricket practice, helps maintain mental freshness and motivation.
Training Protocol
Under the new mandate, national cricketers, including centrally contracted players and those undergoing training at the NCA, will be required to engage in padel for approximately 40 minutes every alternate day. This structured cross-training is intended to complement traditional cricket drills, offering a dynamic and enjoyable way to improve athletic abilities. Where to Watch West Indies vs Pakistan 2026 Live Streaming Online and TV Channel Telecast in India.
Expanding Facilities at NCA
The introduction of padel is just one facet of the PCB's commitment to enhancing the National Cricket Academy. Aaqib Javed also revealed plans for further expansion of recreational and sporting facilities. Future additions are set to include basketball courts, game rooms, and snooker tables, fostering an environment where players can develop holistically. The academy has already taken a step forward with the installation of an AI-powered bowling machine to further modernize training methods.
This progressive approach by the Pakistan Cricket Board underscores a growing international trend among leading sports organizations to encourage multi-sport participation for comprehensive athlete development. The upcoming training camps will provide the first practical insights into the efficacy of this innovative fitness strategy, potentially setting a new benchmark for player conditioning within Pakistan cricket.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 22, 2026 02:31 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).