Dhaka, Sept 22 (V7N) – The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) today conducted the first phase of fitness tests ahead of the National Cricket League (NCL) red-ball tournament at the National Stadium in Dhaka.
The fitness test for players from four teams—Dhaka, Rajshahi, Khulna and Mymensingh—was held as preparations continued for the NCL, which is scheduled to begin on October 3. The second phase of the fitness test will be held tomorrow (Wednesday) at the same venue.
The players were required to complete a 1,600-metre run at the athletics track of the National Stadium. Pacers were given 7 minutes to complete the task, while batters were asked to finish in 7.20 minutes. While most players were close to the benchmark set for them, a few cricketers failed to overcome the hurdles.
BCB trainer Iftekhar Ifti said players who fail the test, or are unable to participate because of illness, will be given another opportunity after 10 days. "If someone fails or is sick, we will take another test after 10 days. If they still fail, we will take another test after another 10 days," Ifti said.
He said the coaching and training staff would closely monitor players who fail the fitness test and help them improve their physical condition. "We will pay a lot of attention to the fitness of those who fail. We will take some responsibility for them. If they fail, there is no chance of going anywhere in the end. We will make arrangements for them to pass. Their fitness level will increase and their skills will improve. Whether they can play in the NCL or not will be the board's decision," he added.
The trainer also stressed the importance of players maintaining proper dietary habits, particularly while travelling for matches. "Cricketers are always aware, but sometimes they get the wrong guidance. When players become tired during matches, their fitness can deteriorate, and food habits are also a factor. When they go out to play, they do not always follow their food habits completely."
Ifti also noted visible improvement in the fitness of national team players, saying better dietary discipline, structured training plans and closer involvement with trainers could produce further improvements.
The National Cricket League is Bangladesh's premier first-class domestic competition, featuring eight divisional teams. The 28th edition of the NCL will kick off on October 3, with defending champions Rangpur beginning their title defence against Dhaka at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur. The tournament serves as a key platform for players to stake their claim for national selection, particularly ahead of Bangladesh's home Test series against West Indies in October-November.
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