The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has introduced a new fitness initiative for national cricketers by making padel a compulsory part of training during long camps at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Lahore.
A dedicated padel court has been built at the academy so players can practise the sport without needing to travel elsewhere, making it easier to fit into their existing training schedules.
Why PCB Is Adding Padel to Cricket Training
The initiative is designed to sharpen players’ fitness, movement, and fielding skills through a sport that is fast-paced, physically demanding, and easy to pick up. Padel is a racket sport that combines elements of tennis and squash, and it is known for improving reflexes, agility, and lateral movement — all qualities that translate directly onto the cricket field.
PCB Director of High Performance Aqib Javed explained the thinking behind the move, calling padel simple, enjoyable, and beneficial for overall fitness. He noted that players previously had to travel outside the academy to play the sport, but the new on-site facility removes that barrier and lets them combine it with their regular cricket sessions.
According to Aqib, the goal is to give players an environment during extended camps that helps them develop beyond just batting, bowling, and fielding drills.
Padel Sessions Now Compulsory Every Second Day
Under the new plan, cricketers attending long-duration camps at the NCA will be required to play padel every second day for around 40 minutes. Aqib pointed out that players don’t need to spend every hour of a long camp solely on cricket, and that cross-training with other sports can be just as valuable.
He linked the decision directly to fielding standards, noting that the quick lateral movement and reaction time required in padel closely mirrors the skills needed to field well. Regular play, he said, should help cricketers become sharper and more agile on the field over time.
Basketball Courts and a Games Room Also Planned
Padel isn’t the only addition to the academy’s fitness push. Aqib confirmed that basketball courts are also part of the plan, as the sport offers similar cardiovascular and coordination benefits for cricketers.
The NCA is additionally working on a dedicated games room for players, which will feature snooker and other indoor games to give cricketers ways to relax and stay engaged during long camps away from home.
A Trend Seen Across World Cricket
Aqib pointed to a broader pattern among elite athletes worldwide, noting that top sportspeople rarely limit themselves to just one discipline. Many professional athletes across sports use cross-training in other games to build fitness, agility, and mental freshness alongside their primary sport.
By adding padel and basketball to its high-performance program, the PCB appears to be following this global trend, aiming to build cricketers who are not only technically skilled but also physically well-rounded.
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