Former Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq is set to lead a 17-day conditioning camp for the country’s top cricketers, leading to speculation over his possible appointment as head coach.
Misbah will oversee the high-intensity training camp that includes 14 centrally contracted players and six additional players. The pre-season camp starts on August 19 at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore with two days of fitness testing followed by the training camp from August 22 to September 7.
The former batsman will be the “camp commandant” and work with the NCA coaching staff to ensure Pakistan players are in top condition ahead of the new season.
“Misbah-ul-Haq, who has been Pakistan’s most successful captain, understands the arduous demands of the format in this day and age. With the advent of the World Test Championship, the PCB wants Pakistan to turn up with their best red ball game when they face Sri Lanka in the two-match Test series at home,” Zakir Khan, PCB director of international cricket, said.
“Ahead of the Sri Lanka series, these players will be a part of the initial rounds of what will be a highly competitive Quaid-e-Azam Trophy. So, this camp will further benefit them in gearing up for an exciting cricketing season.”
With the Pakistan board not renewing the contracts of almost the entire national support staff, the responsibility given to Misbah has led some to believe he is likely to be made the next head coach. However, he doesn’t have the requisite coaching experience at the highest level, as required by the PCB when they recently invited applications for the post of head coach.
