The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has brought in Tony Hemming, an experienced Australian curator, to revamp pitches ahead of Pakistan's crucial home series in the World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. Hemming, known for his work at iconic venues like Melbourne and Dubai International Cricket Stadium, replaces Zahid as head curator.
Hemming's mandate includes preparing pitches for upcoming series against Bangladesh and England, as well as for the Champions Trophy 2025. His appointment aims to address criticisms that Pakistani pitches have been too favorable to batsmen, resulting in numerous drawn matches at home.
Former cricketer Scott Styris highlighted the importance of winning home games in the WTC, emphasizing Pakistan's potential with its strong tradition of stylish batsmen and fast bowlers. However, he cautioned that balanced pitches are crucial for Pakistan to develop into a well-rounded team.
Former PCB Chairman Ramiz Raja had previously criticized the quality of pitches in Pakistan, advocating for modern drop-in pitches to enhance playing conditions. With Hemming's expertise, PCB aims to create pitches that challenge both batsmen and bowlers, fostering competitive Test cricket in Pakistan.