Head coach and chief selector Misbah-ul-Haq has said that the new fitness standards for the Pakistan national cricket team have been set in line with the fitness models of the four of the topmost cricket playing nations.

Previously, fitness test standards were set in accordance with the strength of the Pakistan players.

Misbah is quoted as saying in a PCB podcast that now the fitness tests of the national cricket team will be held every two months instead of four.

"Players often think that fitness is to be worked upon during off-season only but the point of revamping the standards is to ensure that they maintain their fitness regardless of whether they have been playing or not," Misbah said.

Misbah also talked up the effectiveness of the new fitness model, saying that even the players that fell short of meeting the current standards were fitter than the ones who would ace previous tests. "Although the cricketers have their shortcomings in certain areas of the fitness tests, they have still surpassed the previous standards, which is a good sign," Misbah said.

It may be noted that the PCB has enforced a 15-per cent salary cut on players failing to meet the fitness standards.

In the 16th edition of the PCB Podcast, Misbah-ul-Haq also shared his thoughts on four-day Tests. Rohail Nazir, the captain of Pakistan U19 side, looks ahead at the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup while Urooj Mumtaz, the chair of the national women's selection committee, speaks on the ongoing National Triangular T20 Women's Cricket Championship. Pakistan opener Fakhar Zaman shares his excitement ahead of the fifth edition of the HBL Pakistan Super League.