Former Pakistan cricketer slams pitch quality in PSL 10

Former Pakistan fast bowler Tanveer Ahmed has criticized the quality of pitches being used in the ongoing HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season 10, calling them "pathetic" and harmful to the standard of cricket being played.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, the ex-cricketer, who represented Pakistan in five Tests, two ODIs, and one T20I, expressed particular concern over the Rawalpindi pitch. 

He said that matches at the venue follow the same predictable pattern due to the poor surface conditions.

"In every match at Rawalpindi, the team that scores 200 first usually wins easily. The chasing team can’t even reach 150. It’s become too one-sided,” Tanveer remarked.

He compared the conditions with those in Karachi, where he admitted that chasing high totals has been more successful. 

“For example, when Multan Sultans scored nearly 230 at National Bank Stadium, thanks to James Vince's century, Karachi Kings successfully chased it down,” he said. 

However, he also criticized Karachi’s pitch, which was reportedly prepared using Australian soil. 

“Is this what Australian pitches look like? Balls are seaming too much, and spinners are getting unpredictable bounce. How can batters perform in such conditions?” he questioned.

Tanveer also raised doubts about the performance of Australian pitch curator Tony Hemming, who was hired by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on a two-year contract until July 2026. Hemming was also responsible for pitch preparations during the ICC Champions Trophy earlier this year.

“PCB calls him a highly-paid expert. But what’s the benefit if the pitches are still below standard?” Tanveer asked.

He further linked poor pitch quality to falling crowd attendance, especially in Karachi. 

“Fans are not coming to the stadium. The poor pitches are part of the reason. On top of that, there are other problems — the parking is far from the stadium, it’s extremely hot, and the facilities are just not good enough. It’s embarrassing for spectators,” he concluded.