Lahore, Karachi to get drop-in pitches worth Rs. 37 crore

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Ramiz Raja has announced that Karachi and Lahore will get a drop-in pitch each as the cricket board looks to revamp the quality of cricket across the country.

PCB also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Arif Habib Group in this regard during the Draft of Pakistan Super League (PSL) season seven. Both pitches have an estimated cost Rs. 37 crore.

As per the agreement, a drop-in pitch will be installed at Karachi's Naya Nazimabad Cricket Stadium while one location will be announced in due course. The process for the installation of these pitches is expected to be completed in 2022.

Once the process is done, PCB will have the access to the stadium and can organize domestic and junior level matches.

“The installation of drop-in pitches is surely going to benefit our players both at the domestic and international levels. Over the years, we have struggled to cope with the extra bounce and pace that some of the pitches in Australia and New Zealand provide," Ramiz said.

“Despite abundance of talent and ability, we are yet to win an away Test series in Australia while our record in New Zealand has also taken a beating in recent trips," he added.