ISLAMABAD: Lack of fitness and sudden drop in hydration level left Pakistani players struggling with cramps the other day in their Asian Cup match against India in Dubai, says Dr. Waqar Ahmad, president of the Pakistan Anti-Doping Organization (ADOP).
A renowned name in the field of rehabilitation, Dr. Waqar told ‘The News’ that he was surprised to see three prominent Pakistan players struggling with cramps while the Indians were comfortable during the Asian Cup match of the Sunday.
“I was also surprised to see three Pakistanis, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf and Mohammad Rizwan, feeling dehydrated and exhausted. The Indians, on the other hand, felt at ease and seemed more relaxed.
When asked what could have been the reasons for these cramps in a T20 match, Dr. Waqar said that two reasons triggered such a scenario. “International sport is all about fitness and the level of fitness that is required is something special. My decades of knowledge suggest that the Pakistani cricketers either lacked true physical fitness or their hydration level did not rise to the level required for such matches in extreme heat.”
He proposed that during such extreme weather, special efforts are required to keep players hydrated and their nutritional level should be checked the day before the game. “I am sure that the level of fitness required for such an occasion under extremely hot weather was not there. There is also the possibility that the player’s hydration level is not up to par. Look at the Indians, including their fast bowlers, they never had any problems even when bowling in extreme sun. The surface was just as hard and demanding, but our cricketers couldn’t cope with it. All the Indians played as if there were no extraordinary heat. The support staff of Pakistan must improve the hydration level of the players and must check the nutritional level in order to cope with the heat. The Asian Cup is no ordinary event and is played in hot weather. I am sure that the Pakistan think tank would do their best, but it is necessary to treat each cricketer according to the physical requirements of him. For fast bowlers and goalkeepers, special attention is required to enable them to withstand the workload.”
Dr. Waqar also suggested that there are several legal remedies available to improve players’ resistance to exceptional heat. “In professional sports, special efforts are required to keep players fit and ready for every occasion. You cannot improve the physical condition of the players overnight, as it is a long procedure”.
Another key factor that contributes to a player’s hydration level is sound sleep. “These cricketers need deep sleep between training and matches. Muscle relaxation is required and the best neutral way to improve that is to sleep soundly. I have my doubts about the sleeping habits of Pakistani players. There is a great need to increase your sleep and rest time to obtain the fitness and hydration level required for international cricket.”
