Tony Hemming of Australia has been recruited as the new chief curator by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
This move is a response from Pakistan to the problem of batting-friendly pitches, which has led to many home matches ending in draws. To improve the quality of cricket pitches and their performance in the current World Test Championship (WTC) cycle
Pakistan is now positioned mid-table in the WTC standings, which is not a favourable position for the team. Pakistan must win matches in order to take use of their home advantage in order to have a chance at making it to the final. But Pakistan’s mostly batter-friendly pitches have resulted in a lot of draws, which has hampered the team’s advancement in the championship.
Hemming, a seasoned curator with a strong body of work, has been hired for a two-year term. His main duty will be to supervise pitch preparation for Pakistan’s next home series against England and Bangladesh, two important WTC cycle matches. Hemming will also oversee pitch development for the 2025 Champions Trophy.
To be in the running for the WTC championship, you have to win your home games: Scott Styris
Hemming has had positions at various respected Australian venues, such as those in Melbourne, Perth, and Tasmania (Hobart). He gained international experience in the United Arab Emirates, where he oversaw pitch preparation at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium as chief curator from 2007 to 2017.
This transformation has long been needed and clear. Scott Styris, a former cricket player for New Zealand, emphasised the significance of winning home games in the WTC.
“To stand a chance of qualifying for the championship round in WTC, you have to win your home games. Think of Pakistani cricketers as elegant batters and bowlers who possess real pace. Short-term success is possible, but it won’t help you develop into a truly excellent all-around player. Pakistan has the depth and its fast bowlers make a difference, according to Styris, who was cited by The Indian Express.
Even within Pakistan’s cricket authorities, there has been disagreement over the country’s pitch quality.
In 2022, former PCB chairman Ramiz Raja publicly criticised the Rawalpindi pitch, calling it “the dark ages of pitches in Pakistan.” Raja even went so far as to describe it as embarrassing, considering that he used to be a cricket player.
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