Pakistan players returned in worse shape after time off - Mickey Arthur

[Tausif]

Pakistan's players returned to national duty in New Zealand in worse shape after a five-week break, according to coach Mickey Arthur. Maintaining high fitness standards for Pakistan's cricketers has been a particular challenge for Arthur, and on a tough tour in which Pakistan were blown away 5-0 in the ODIs before bouncing back to clinch the T20I series, their lack of match fitness was at times exposed by a fresher looking New Zealand side.

Arthur deemed the ODI showing unacceptable, saying his focus was primarily on the 2019 World Cup, for which he would in future look to manage players' T20 commitments in a way that did not compromise their match fitness when they turned out for Pakistan.

"I saw that players returned in a far worse state physically and technically when they were away from us for five weeks," Arthur told ESPNcricinfo. "Of course I want our players to make extra money, so I will be reasonable with our management plan. But some players came back far worse from T20 competitions in all departments. It's just so important to manage the players individually because each case is different."

Arthur insisted he did not wish to place a moratorium on Pakistan's players taking part in foreign T20 leagues, but did say there would be a more uncompromising line on player fitness. "My concern is the players need to be working hard off the field in terms of fitness during all these competitions, not coming back in worse shape. I want them to make money but not at the expense of performance for Pakistan."

Full Article: Cricinfo

LOL nice going. Classic Pakistan players being out of shape

[Eshen]

I saw some of the clips of BPL team parties. Can't fault them for not being resist such good food on buffet lines