COMPARATIVE ASSESSMENT OF PHYSICAL FITNESS COMPONENTS AMONG DISTRICT, STATE AND NATIONAL LEVEL MALE CRICKET PLAYERS

Abstract

Background: Cricket demands a high level of physical fitness to perform batting, bowling, fielding, and running tasks effectively. However, limited evidence is available comparing the physical fitness characteristics of male cricket players across different competitive levels. Aim: This study aimed to compare muscular strength, muscular power, muscular endurance, running speed, and running agility among district-, state-, and national-level male cricket players. Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted on 120 male cricket players (50 district, 40 state and 30 national) aged 18–28 years selected through purposive sampling. Physical fitness was assessed using the handgrip strength test, standing broad jump, push-up test, 50-m sprint, and 4 × 10-m shuttle run. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, one-way ANOVA, and Scheffe’s post hoc multiple comparison test at a significance level of p < .05. Results: Significant differences were found among the three competitive groups in muscular strength (F = 286.22, p < .001), muscular power (F = 373.05, p < .001), muscular endurance (F = 181.58, p < .001), running speed (F = 213.41, p < .001), and running agility (F = 249.46, p < .001). Scheffe’s post hoc analysis showed that national-level players outperformed district- and state-level players in almost all physical fitness components, while state-level players generally performed better than district-level players. Conclusion: Physical fitness improved progressively with competitive level, with national-level players demonstrating the highest performance in all measured variables. These findings highlight the importance of systematic physical conditioning and may assist coaches and sports scientists in player development and talent identification.