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Wednesday | September 23, 2026 | Dhaka

NCL cricketers undergo first phase of fitness test

 BSS, Dhaka
 Published: 12:01 AM, 23 September 2026  Updated: 10:27 PM, 22 September 2026

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) conducted first phase of the fitness test ahead of the National Cricket League (NCL) red-ball tournament at the National Stadium in Dhaka on Tuesday.

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 today at the same venue.

The players were required to complete a 1600-meter run at the athletics track of the National Stadium. Pacers were given 7 minutes to complete the task while the batters were asked to finish the job in 7.20 minutes.

While most the players were close to the benchmark set for them, a few cricketers failed to overcome the hurdles.

However, 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 here today after the fitness test.

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,” he said.

“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 fitness benchmark for the current assessment has been set at 7.20, while the standard for pacers has also been set at 7.20, according to Ifti. He said the requirement could be adjusted gradually.

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,” he said.

“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.