PCB is issuing the following clarification with regard to the pitches prepared for the first two Tests at Lahore and Faisalabad which resulted in disappointing draws:

1) PCB would like to clarify that its management, captain and coach had unanimously agreed to commission 'hard bouncy pitches' for the india series. For the England series, similar instructions had been given and indeed (except for Faisalabad) the wickets were reasonably fast and bouncy giving marginal assistance to our fast bowlers and leg-spinners. The England series pitches were result oriented and produced enthralling Test cricket.

2) Regrettably, due to weather conditions - rain, frost and absence of sunshine - the pitches turned out 'low and slow' tilting the balance totally in favour of batsmen, producing dull cricket and disappointing results. It is hoped that Karachi, which has abundant sunshine will produce a pitch that will be result oriented and will strike a fair balance between bat and ball.

3) No blame can be attached to curators for not producing sporting result oriented pitches that had been commissioned by the management and on which they had admirably delivered for the England series. Nor do the facts indicate a defensive mind-set by the Pakistan team and management.

4) It need to be underlined that the sub-soil of a pitch is the basic ingredient that defines its character. For instance, Perth produces super-fast true pitces. Sydney and Manchester always take spin. Lords favours lateral movement because of the slope and its square had to be dug up and relaid. Brisbane and Johannesburg are also fast wickets. Adelaide and St. Lucia are batting paradises while the pitches at Brisbane, the Oval and Melbourne provide the ideal balance between bat and ball. Essentially the sub-soil character of a pitch can be fine-tuned but not changed altogether. The fact is that Lahore, Multan and Faisalabad do not inherently provide sufficient bounce to assist the fast and spin bowlers and curators have to rely on bright sunshine and constant 'baking' to induce bounce by rolling and baking under a hot sun.

5) Taking a longer view, in order to improve soil conditions at our venues, PCB will hold an international experts workshop to chalk out measures to improve the sub-soil so that our pitches are able to produce the required bounce for a proper contest between bat and ball. PCb has already requested Turf institute of New Zealand to send an expert after the conclusion of the current series.

Abbas Zaidi
Director Board Operations

(Article: Copyright © 2006 Pakistan Cricket Board)