LAHORE: The National Cricket Academy (NCA) Red-Ball Camp, which began on April 8, concluded on Saturday evening after two weeks of intensive training and preparation. A total of 17 players participated, focusing on fitness, skills, and match scenarios ahead of a busy red-ball season.
Among the participants were four established Test cricketers — Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Huraira, Noman Ali, and Sajid Khan — alongside several promising talents. The camp also served as vital preparation for players selected in Pakistan’s squad for the upcoming two-Test series against Bangladesh, beginning May 8 in Dhaka. Notably, five members of the announced 16-man squad — Azan Awais, Imam-ul-Haq, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori, Noman Ali, and Sajid Khan — were part of the camp.
Players worked under the guidance of NCA coaching staff in fitness drills, skills sessions, and net practice. Two 90-over practice matches were staged to simulate different match situations, ensuring players were exposed to varied conditions and tactical challenges.
Head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed, part of the camp’s coaching staff, described the programme as highly productive: “The focus was on skill development, match scenarios, fitness, and improving players’ overall understanding of the game. We held one-to-one discussions with players and introduced new fitness protocols, while medical staff guided them on nutrition, recovery, and professionalism.”
NCA coach Mohtisham Rasheed praised the players’ commitment, noting their hard work in batting, bowling, and fielding, while new physical tests were introduced to measure agility and endurance. Waqas Ahmed, another NCA coach, highlighted tactical awareness sessions for both fast bowlers and spinners, adding that bowlers were given “specific homework” to continue preparation beyond the camp.
Middle-order batter Mohammad Suleman said the camp was a valuable learning experience, particularly in improving technique against spin and adapting to new fitness standards. Saad Khan echoed the sentiment, stressing the importance of pre-season camps in identifying areas for improvement and refining skills under expert guidance.
17 players in alphabetical order are: Ali Usman, Azan Awais, Hasan Raza, Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Huraira, Mohammad Suleman, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori, Mushtaq Ahmed, Naqeebullah, Niaz Khan, Noman Ali, Rohail Nazir, Saad Khan, Saifullah Bangash, Sajid Khan, Salman Khan and Waqar Ahmed.
