The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is all set to launch the 2025–26 domestic cricket season with the 12-team Hanif Mohammad Trophy in August. This prestigious tournament will be followed by the eight-team Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, marking an action-packed few months for domestic cricket in the country.
As the season draws near, PCB is making fitness and conditioning a top priority. A major highlight ahead of the tournaments is the implementation of a rigorous fitness testing regime, aimed at improving the overall quality of domestic cricket and ensuring only the fittest athletes take the field.
16 Regional Teams to Undergo Pre-Tournament Fitness Evaluations
All 16 regional teams participating in the Hanif Mohammad Trophy and the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy have been directed to conduct comprehensive fitness assessments for their preliminary squads. These assessments will be conducted a week before the tournaments begin.
The decision to conduct fitness tests aligns with PCB’s broader vision to uplift domestic cricket standards, where physical preparedness is considered crucial for competitive success. Each region will be responsible for administering these tests, ensuring all players meet the new performance benchmarks before the season begins.
Two-Level Fitness Criteria Introduced by PCB
To standardize the process and ensure clarity, the PCB has rolled out a two-tier fitness testing framework. The first level applies to the pathways’ players, which includes emerging talent and youth cricketers. The second level is specifically designed for players who are likely to participate in the premier domestic competitions, whether they represent regions or departments.
This system allows the PCB to account for different performance expectations based on player experience and competition levels, while still maintaining strict conditioning standards across the board.
Fitness Testing Underway Across 107 Districts
Initial fitness testing has already been conducted for the PCB Challenge Cup and the Senior Inter-District Tournaments. These tests were carried out under the supervision of PCB’s strength and conditioning coaches, who have been deployed across the country’s 107 districts. This large-scale initiative reflects the PCB’s deep commitment to transforming Pakistan’s cricketing culture by prioritizing health, fitness, and discipline.
Next Phase to Involve 400 Players in Regional Fitness Camps
In the next phase of testing, nearly 400 players vying for selection in the regional squads will undergo evaluations at their respective regional headquarters in August. These players will be assessed on various physical benchmarks that mirror the demands of modern-day competitive cricket.
Additionally, U19 cricketers preparing for the Regional U19 One-Day Cup will also go through rigorous fitness assessments. This move not only ensures that young cricketers are introduced early to professional-level standards but also helps talent managers spot promising players with the right physical and mental attributes.
Fitness Key for Domestic Contracts and Selection
One of the most impactful decisions by the PCB is linking the fitness test results directly to player selection and contract eligibility. Regional first-class players will be assessed through a series of dynamic physical tests. The results of these evaluations will be reviewed by regional coaches and submitted to the PCB, which will factor these into its decisions regarding domestic contracts.
This approach emphasizes that talent alone is not enough — fitness and commitment are equally vital in building a professional cricketing career. The players who fail to meet the criteria will not be considered for any domestic competitions unless they pass a re-test.
Departmental Fitness Testing Now Standardized Under PCB Supervision
For the first time in Pakistan’s domestic cricket history, the PCB will also oversee the fitness testing of players contracted by departments across Grade I, II, and III levels. Previously, departments conducted their own internal evaluations, often with inconsistent standards.
Now, in collaboration with the PCB, a centralized testing protocol will be followed. This initiative is expected to ensure fairness, consistency, and raise the overall athletic standard of department-level cricket. It also aligns with PCB’s goal to professionalize domestic cricket through scientific conditioning and modern fitness regimes.
Quality Over Quantity: Fit Players to Drive Competitive Edge
The PCB has also refined the pre-season testing system to ensure that only fully fit players take the field during the season. This step is designed to improve the intensity and competitiveness of domestic matches. The new approach also reduces the risk of player injuries and ensures consistent performance throughout the season.
In case a player fails the fitness test, they will be granted only one re-test opportunity. If they are unable to meet the criteria even after the second attempt, they will be barred from participating in any of the domestic tournaments.
A New Era for Pakistan’s Domestic Cricket
With these changes, the 2025–26 season is shaping up to be a benchmark for domestic cricket in Pakistan. By integrating fitness at every level — from U19s to seasoned professionals — and collaborating across regions and departments, the PCB is setting the stage for a healthier, more competitive, and professional domestic cricket structure. This proactive approach not only prepares players for international demands but also fosters a culture of discipline and excellence that will benefit Pakistan cricket for years to come.
