KARACHI: Former Pakistan cricket captain Rashid Latif believes that staying away from the fitness routines and practice sessions would have adverse effect on national cricketers but the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) can utilise this period to good effect.

Talking to this correspondent, the former captain was of the opinion that it is not possible for cricketers to create gym or outdoor-practice environment at homes. “Cricketers don’t have proper gym facilities at home, neither do they have nets,” observed Rashid. “The motivation factor will also be missing because of the uncertainty in the near future. It is not an easy time for athletes worldwide.”

“The PCB can conduct online lectures for cricketers to impart expert opinion regarding diet and fitness regime at home. Foreign experts can also be roped in for online sessions,” Rashid suggested.

The former wicketkeeper batsman and renowned cricket expert said that online coaching courses could also be conducted for first-class cricketers.

Rashid also feared that like other fields, the sports industry would also be hit by the ongoing crisis and it would have its trickle-down effect on the athletes.

“Businesses have been hit due to the ongoing crisis which will surely have an adverse effect on the profits and earnings of sporting bodies world over. I think the salaries of athletes across the world could get significantly cut as well”, he concluded.

Published in Dawn, March 28th, 2020