Pakistan Cricket Board hires Australian pitch curator Tony Hemming to look after home pitches for WTC cycle

In a move to enhance the quality of cricket pitches and improve their performance in the ongoing World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has appointed Australia's Tony Hemming as the new head curator. This decision comes as Pakistan seeks to address the issue of batting-friendly pitches that have resulted in numerous drawn matches on home soil.

Pakistan's position in the WTC table has been less than ideal, with the team currently placed mid-table. To have a chance at reaching the final, Pakistan needs to capitalize on their home advantage by winning matches. However, the predominantly batter-friendly pitches in Pakistan have led to a high number of draws, hindering the team's progress in the championship.

Hemming, an experienced curator with an impressive portfolio, has been brought on board with a two-year contract. His primary responsibility will be to oversee pitch preparation for Pakistan's upcoming home series against Bangladesh and England, both crucial fixtures in the WTC cycle. Additionally, Hemming will be in charge of pitch preparation for the Champions Trophy 2025.

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Hemming has worked at several prestigious grounds in Australia, including Melbourne, Perth, and Tasmania (Hobart). His international experience includes UAE, where he served as head curator from 2007 to 2017, overseeing pitch preparation at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

The need for this change has been evident for some time. Former New Zealand cricketer Scott Styris highlighted the importance of winning home games in the WTC.

“With WTC, you must win your home games to have any chance of making it to the final. When you think of Pakistan cricket you think of stylish batsmen and fast bowlers with genuine pace. You might get some short-term success, but it won’t allow you to be a really good all-round side. The difference is the fast bowlers and Pakistan has the depth,” Styris said as quoted by The Indian Express.

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The issue of pitch quality in Pakistan has been a point of contention even among the country's cricket administrators.

Former PCB chairman Ramiz Raja was openly critical of the Rawalpindi pitch in 2022, describing the situation as living in the dark ages of pitches in Pakistan. Raja went so far as to call it embarrassing, especially given his background as a cricketer.