Former Pak cricket players annoyed by ‘dead’ Karachi pitch

Former Pak cricket players annoyed by ‘dead’ Karachi pitch Karachi, Feb. 26 : The Test match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka may have inked its name in the game's history books for the huge number of runs scored, but several former Pakistan cricket players have expressed their annoyance over the lifeless track.

Former captain Wasim Akram, while referring to the low attendance of people at the Karachi National Stadium during the first Test, said that such flat wickets where there was absolutely no support for the bowlers were damaging for the longer version of the game as people do not turn-up to see one-sided batsman friendly games.

"It's a mystery to me why after 14 months of not playing Test cricket, such type of a wicket was made," The Daily Times quoted Akram, as saying.

Akram recommended that the views of captain of the national squad must be taken into consideration before preparing the wicket.

"I think the captain's involvement should be there in the preparation of the wicket. I hope that such type of wicket is not made in future. We want teams to come to Pakistan and people of Pakistan should support their team but with such type of wickets it gets a bit difficult," he added.

Another former skipper Ramiz Raja also lashed out at the authorities for preparing a dead track where more than 1500 runs were scored and only 18 wickets fell.

"We have to make a clear strategy on what type of wickets we should make for the home series. Captain, coach, curator and selection committee should all be consulted," Raja said.

He suggested introducing drop-in pitches like the ones used in Australia and New Zealand to make the game more interesting and result oriented, and increase people's interest. (ANI)

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