Pakistan players took part in rigorous fielding drills before staging a net practice session on the ultimate day of the six-day conditioning camp in Abbottabad. 

By Farid Khan (8th May, 2013)

Pakistan players took part in rigorous fielding drills before staging a net practice session on the ultimate day of the six-day conditioning camp in Abboottabad. The players were involved in an extended fitness session, which aimed to ensure the players reach Europe in the best of shapes. The batsmen were also involved in an extended batting session, where Pakistan's T20I captain, worked on his shots and focused on playing seaming and swinging deliveries, against which he struggled in South Africa.

Captain, Misbah-ul-Haq, talked to the media, stressed on the importance of the venue and expressed concern over Imran Khan's injury. "The camp in Abbottabad proved to be pivotal for us. The practice done our bowlers will help them in England. The batsmen also went through rigorous fitness drills to make sure they stay fully fit. Our main focus was to adapt to the conditions. which we did. We will definitely miss our senior players, but the main thing is to utilize your current crop of players. We have match winners in our team and will play up to our potential. The news regarding Imran Khan's fall from the lifter was shocking. I, on behalf of my entire team, wish him (Imran Khan) a quick recovery." 

Pakistan's head Coach Dav Whatmore, also spoke about the venue and also defended Nasir Jamshed's inclusion. "If the Pakistan team play up to their abilities, they can defeat any team in the world. It is difficult to predict our chances for the Champions Trophy, but we can certainly win it. Fitness issues can arrive with any team, but we don't have any. Our team is fit and geared up to prove their mettle. The facilities provided to us here were state-of-the-art. We made sure every player got ample practice for the mega event. Nasir Jamshed is highly talented. Though he didn't perform well in South Africa, he practiced hard here in the camp and looks in good touch for the Champions Trophy." 

The players will return to their hometowns and will rejoin each other on Monday in Lahore before departing for Scotland on 14th May, 2013, where they will play two ODIs. Then they will move to Ireland later this month before facing West Indies, South Africa and India in Group B of the Champions Trophy.