The pitch during the Rawalpindi Test between Pakistan and Australia has come under a significant scanner. The surface at the Pindi Cricket Stadium, usually known for its result-oriented nature, dished out a dull draw between both sides as only two innings were completed fully with no wickets falling in the third. Only 14 wickets fell over the course of five days, with Aussies taking merely four.
On Wednesday, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ramiz Raja issued a statement on the pitch in the 1st Test, where he said that they cannot prepare “fast or bouncy pitches” and make the conditions more favourable for the Aussies.
“I understand the fans’ frustration and it would have been great if there was a result in this Test match. But do remember that this is a three-Test series and there is a lot of cricket left to be played. We cannot make a fast or bouncy pitch for the heck of it and put the conditions in Australia’s lap. It is important that when we play at home, we play according to our strengths,” Ramiz said.
The PCB chairman’s statement has garnered mixed reaction and former Pakistan spinner Danish Kaneria has lashed out at Ramiz Raja, saying that he has “betrayed the fans.”
“What Ramiz Raja said today was nothing but a lame excuse and has misled Pakistani fans with the same. He has lied and has betrayed the fans,” said Kaneria.
“It’s okay, he was busy in his son’s wedding. He attended the wedding but then saw there was a lot of noise surrounding the dead wicket. The Test grew a lot of eyeballs as Australia was touring Pakistan after these many years, but what wicket did they produce for that?”
Kaneria also attacked Babar Azam, calling him a “weak captain.”
“What were you afraid of? You had bowlers, but you didn’t play them. You have a weak captain who cannot be aggressive while leading the side. It was such a wicket that even Ramiz Raja would have scored runs on it even at this age,” said the former Pakistan spinner.