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The role of soil and science in pitch preparation

Former Chief Curator of the National Stadium Karachi revealed how past Pakistan captains and officials played a role in pitch decisions

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Javed Iqbal

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Syed Javed Iqbal is a distinguished and seasoned sports journalist with over two decades of excellence in the field of sports media. He has been a prominent figure on some of Pakistan’s leading news channels, including ARY News, Aaj News, and 24 News, earning widespread recognition for his insightful reporting and comprehensive coverage. Throughout his illustrious career, Syed Javed Iqbal has reported from the frontlines of some of the world’s most prestigious international sporting events. His coverage includes six ICC Cricket World Cups, the Commonwealth Games, Asian Games, South Asian Games, World Table Tennis Championships, Volleyball World Cup, FIFA Confederations Cup, Japan Open, Champions Trophy, Pakistan Super League (PSL), and the Asia Cup in hockey. His assignments have taken him across the globe to countries such as the USA, Japan, Australia, England, France, India, South Korea, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and the UAE. Known for his on-ground presence and in-depth analysis, Syed Javed Iqbal has earned national and international acclaim as a credible and authoritative voice in sports journalism.

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Former Chief Curator of the National Stadium Karachi, Ehsan Arain, shared an in-depth look into how cricket pitches are prepared, from the initial excavation stage to the use of clay-rich soil that influences bounce and grass growth. He explained how pitches are customized based on match requirements, whether for pace, spin, or batting-friendly conditions.

Arain also revealed how past Pakistan captains and officials played a role in pitch decisions. For the 2006 Karachi Test against India, then-PCB Chairman Shehryar Khan instructed the ground staff to prepare a result-oriented pitch, a move that paid off as Pakistan won the match and sealed the series 1-0.

In another example, then-Pakistan captain Younis Khan requested a flat track for the 2009 Karachi Test against Sri Lanka to neutralize the threat posed by spinners Ajantha Mendis and Muttiah Muralitharan. The match turned into a run-fest, with Sri Lanka piling up 644/7 declared and Pakistan responding with 765/7 declared, featuring a monumental 313 from Younis himself.

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