Former Pakistan captain Salman Butt has slammed Pakistan cricket once again for preparing another dead rubber against Australia in the upcoming Test series in Karachi. After ICC match referee Ranjan Madugalle presented his report on the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, where the first Test of the series was played, the ICC docked Pakistan one demerit point.
Pakistan cricket has been chastised throughout the world for their poor pitch maintenance, which has marred Australia’s historic trip to the nation after just 24 hours. Former Pakistan cricketers have chastised the administration and board for their inept performance. Salman Butt, after the first day of the second Test in Karachi, has also criticised the Karachi pitch.
The Test ended in a dreary draw with just 14 wickets falling in the remaining innings, with numerous former Pakistan cricketers, including ex-captains Inzamam-ul-Haq, Shahid Afridi, and Salman Butt, condemning the surface throughout the match.
Many anticipated the surface to improve for the second Test in Karachi, but activity at the National Stadium was sluggish and low on Day 1, with Australia closing at 251/3 in 90 overs. Former Pakistan captain Butt expressed his displeasure with the surface once again, claiming that fast bowlers may have had some help.
“If I had Shaheen, Hasan, and Naseem Shah, I’ll put something in the pitch for them.” I can’t play leg-spinner because I don’t have Yasir Shah, and by saying that, I’m also stating that we don’t have any dependable spinners. I can’t seem to make music that encourages people to spin. Give something to quick bowlers instead.”
Salman Butt recalls his childhood. Ifran Pathan has a Hat-Trick on the Rawalpindi pitch:
Butt went on to explain that during his playing days in Pakistan, he doesn’t remember such slower surfaces. The 2006 India-Pakistan trip was also highlighted as an example by the former Pakistan captain.
“I don’t remember seeing such sluggish and low pitches during my playing days.” After all, we didn’t play any draw Tests. In Karachi, though, Irfan Pathan scored a hat-trick, and the match was played on a lively, superb seaming field. “On another seaming field, India prevailed in Rawalpindi,” Butt remembered.
The idea is that we used to play cricket at a rapid pace back then.” We’ve never seen such low and sluggish wickets in Pakistan. And these surfaces come at a time when everyone is searching for fast bowlers to provide pace, bounce, and aggressiveness.
Fast bowlers who can bowl at 140 kph and batsmen who can hit at a 140 strike rate at any time of day or night are often mentioned. Both aren’t occurring right now, strangely. And it’s not possible in this case, according to Butt.