Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali has launched a scathing attack on the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) following criticism of the pitches used during the ongoing domestic and international cricket season. Ali, known for his blunt remarks, cited the pitch in Chennai from the India vs Bangladesh first Test as a prime example of how proper pitch conditions can lead to competitive and balanced cricket.
Ali’s remarks came after several experts expressed concerns over the quality of pitches in Pakistan, with some pointing out that the surfaces heavily favor either batters or bowlers, leading to one-sided contests. Defending the importance of good pitches, Ali strongly rebuked those questioning their significance.
‘The Chennai surface for the India vs Bangladesh first Test was perfect’ – Basit Ali
“People who criticize the value of a pitch are illiterate,” said Ali during a television discussion. “They don’t understand cricket. The Chennai surface for the India vs Bangladesh first Test was perfect. It had something for everyone—batters, spinners, and pacers alike. That’s how a pitch should be prepared for a competitive match.”
He highlighted how India’s 280-run victory over Bangladesh in Chennai was achieved due to the balanced nature of the pitch, which allowed batters like Rishabh Pant and Ravichandran Ashwin to score centuries, while also assisting bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah and Ashwin to shine with the ball.
Ali also emphasized the need for the PCB to learn from such examples to create better pitches for both domestic and international matches. “The PCB should take note of how other countries prepare their surfaces. We need pitches that challenge players in all areas of the game, rather than providing an unfair advantage to one discipline,” he added.
Ali’s comments have sparked debate in Pakistan’s cricketing circles, reigniting the conversation around improving pitch quality to ensure a better standard of cricket in the country.
