Pakistan men’s white-ball head coach Mike Hesson has said the ongoing training camp at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Lahore is focused on improving players’ fitness, conditioning and skills ahead of upcoming international assignments.

Speaking to PCB Digital, Hesson said the camp, which began on June 15, features around 27 to 28 players, including white-ball specialists, emerging cricketers and individuals identified for future national duties.

“The first two weeks of the camp have primarily focused on medical screening and fitness assessments to establish a baseline for each player,” Hesson said.

“The aim is to make significant gains from a conditioning perspective before shifting greater attention to skill development from next week.”

Hesson noted that the extended break from international cricket provides a rare opportunity for players to work on their physical preparation.

“White-ball players, particularly those involved across formats, often struggle to find uninterrupted periods for training. Having nearly three months available gives us a valuable chance to improve conditioning and overall fitness levels,” he said.

He credited Dr Javed Mughal for introducing rigorous medical and conditioning standards, adding that players have responded positively despite the demanding workload.

“To cope with the demands of international cricket, players must be exceptionally fit and strong. We are working hard on both aspects,” Hesson added.

The former New Zealand coach revealed that each player has been assigned an Individual Performance Plan (IPP), developed through consultations involving coaching, medical and conditioning staff.

“Every player has clear objectives over the coming weeks, including technical, tactical, medical and conditioning targets.

There is a structured plan in place, and everyone at the NCA has a role in helping the players achieve their goals,“ he said.

Hesson also expressed excitement about working with emerging talent, particularly members of Pakistan’s recent Under-19 setup.

“It is encouraging to work closely with young players such as Samir Minhas, Farhan Yusuf, Ali Raza and Abdul Subhan. Exposing them to higher standards and challenging environments is an important part of their development. We want them to be ready when opportunities arise at the international level,” he said.

Commenting on preparations for the Asian Games, Hesson described the squad as an exciting blend of youth and experience.

“There are players who have come through the U19 system, alongside cricketers who have been around national squads but have not had many chances to play. This camp gives us an opportunity to assess how they respond to the next level of competition,” he said.

Hesson added that the camp would play a key role in shaping the team’s future, with preparations also being made with an eye on the next ICC World Cup, scheduled around 18 months from now.

“We have time to do some excellent work with this group. The Asian Games provide an important stepping stone, while the World Cup remains a major long-term objective,” he said.