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The first Test match between Australia and Pakistan played in Rawalpindi, resulted in a dull draw and since then the Rawalpindi pitch had to face a lot of criticism.
Just 14 wickets were picked up by the bowlers throughout the Test match and it is important to mention that 10 out of those 14 wickets were scalped by Pakistan bowlers.
Ramiz's statement
In a situation like this Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ramiz Raja has opened up on the matter and on March 9 (Wednesday) he issued a statement as well.
“I understand the fans' frustration and it would have been great if there was a result in this Test match. But do remember that this is a three-Test series and there is a lot of cricket left to be played. We cannot make a fast or bouncy pitch for the heck of it and put the conditions in Australia's lap. It is important that when we play at home, we play according to our strengths,” Ramiz said.
Strong opposition
His statement attracted huge attention and former Pakistan spinner Danish Kaneria criticised the PCB Chairman for providing a “lame excuse.”
“What Ramiz Raja said today was nothing but a lame excuse and has misled Pakistani fans with the same. He has lied and has betrayed the fans,” said Kaneria.
According to the former Pakistan spinner the Rawalpindi pitch was a “dead wicket.”
“It's okay, he was busy in his son's wedding. He attended the wedding but then saw there was a lot of noise surrounding the dead wicket. The Test grew a lot of eyeballs as Australia was touring Pakistan after these many years, but what wicket did they produce for that?
“What were you afraid of? You had bowlers, but you didn't play them. You have a weak captain who cannot be aggressive while leading the side. It was such a wicket that even Ramiz Raja would have scored runs on it even at this age,” explained the 41-year-old former spinner.
The second Test match of the series is scheduled to be played on March 12, in Karachi. The third and final Test match of the series will be played on March 21, in Lahore.
