Pakistan’s star all-rounder Salman Ali Agha has revealed that the recent National Cricket Academy (NCA) pre-season camp was a holistic development program, extending far beyond traditional on-field practice.
Speaking to Geo News, Agha shared that the camp placed a heavy emphasis on comprehensive player development, featuring English language classes and specialized lectures on mental conditioning. “Experts guided us on how to handle high-pressure situations. Every aspect required by a modern professional cricketer was strictly focused upon to make us mentally resilient,” he stated.
Highlighting the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) uncompromising stance on physical conditioning, Agha noted the implementation of a strict zero-tolerance policy toward fitness. While he plays all three formats, his immediate focus is exclusively on red-ball cricket. “As professionals who are paid to play, maintaining peak physical condition is our fundamental responsibility. We are living our childhood dreams, so staying fit to avoid injuries is the bare minimum,” he added.
Agha praised the PCB’s foresight in organizing the grueling pre-season camp ahead of a demanding red-ball schedule. With five consecutive Test matches looming—including two on home soil—the rigorous routine was essential. The players endured exhausting 6:00 AM starts in Lahore’s blistering heat, spending entire days together to build stamina and resilience against fatigue. “Conditioning our bodies in this extreme weather will give us a massive physical advantage, making it easier to perform in less punishing climates,” Agha explained.
On a personal front, the all-rounder has been intensely working on a specific flaw in his game: converting solid starts into massive scores. Recognizing a recurring issue where he and fellow batters often stall around the 60-70 run mark, Agha has dedicated his off-season to mastering the art of pushing past centuries and building monumental 150-plus innings for the national side.
