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The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is taking a bold step to improve its performance in the ongoing World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. They’ve appointed renowned Australian curator Tony Hemming as the new head curator for a two-year period.
Why the Change?
Pakistan’s current standing in the WTC table is less than stellar. Their home pitches, known for heavily favoring batsmen, have resulted in many high-scoring draws, hindering their progress towards the championship final.
Hemming’s Expertise
Hemming brings a wealth of experience to the table. He’s overseen pitch preparation at prestigious Australian grounds like Melbourne, Perth, and Hobart. Additionally, his international experience includes serving as the head curator in Dubai (2007-2017), where he managed pitches at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, a frequent Pakistan home venue.
The Importance of Winning at Home
Former New Zealand cricketer Scott Styris emphasized the crucial role of home victories in the WTC: “With WTC, you must win your home games to have any chance of making it to the final.” Hemming’s expertise is expected to create pitches that provide a more balanced contest, favoring both batting and bowling skills.
A Pressing Need for Change
The need for improvement was evident. Former PCB chairman Ramiz Raja even called the batting-friendly pitches in Rawalpindi “embarrassing” and reminiscent of “dark ages.” Raja’s criticism underscored the urgency for action.
Looking Forward
Hemming’s immediate task is to prepare pitches for the upcoming home series against Bangladesh and England, both significant fixtures in the WTC cycle. Additionally, he will oversee pitch preparation for the Champions Trophy 2025.
This move by the PCB signifies their commitment to creating a more competitive cricketing environment in Pakistan. Will Hemming’s experience be the key to unlocking their WTC potential? Only time will tell, but Pakistan fans are certainly hopeful.
