Introduction:
Calisthenics is a type of exercise that primarily uses a person’s own body weight and a range of motions performed without the use of any gear or equipment and is a type of resistance training. Calisthenics is an excellent way to enhance general fitness, strength, flexibility, agility, balance, coordination, aerobic conditioning, cardiovascular and muscular endurance, all of which may prove beneficial in cricket.

Aim of the study:
The aim of this research is to evaluate the impact of a 6-week calisthenics regimen on the physical fitness components of cricket players.

Material and methods:
A total of 60 male cricket players (18-28 years) were divided randomly into two groups. Group A (experimental group) performed calisthenics for four days in a week for six weeks with their regular cricket training. Group B (control group) was instructed to continue their regular play throughout the study duration. The outcome measures included the Y-balance test, the hand-eye coordination test, the standing broad jump test, the 50-yard dash test, the sitand-reach test, and the curl-up test.

Results:
Linear mixed-effects analysis revealed significant Group × Time interactions for all outcome variables (p ≤ 0.01), indicating greater improvements in the experimental group at Week 3 and 6 compared with the control group. Significant time effects were observed for balance, coordination, power, speed, flexibility, and abdominal strength and endurance. Improvements in flexibility were significant only at Week 6. Effect sizes ranged from moderate to large, demonstrating meaningful training effects.

Conclusions:
Calisthenics combined with cricket training delivers added benefits by enhancing significant physical attributes in cricket players, including balance, coordination, power, speed, flexibility and abdominal strength and endurance. These findings should be interpreted with caution because the sample included only young male cricket players and the participants could not be blinded due to the exercise-based intervention.