Shaheen Afridi has defended Pakistan’s habit of preparing flat pitches at home, arguing that all teams shape home conditions to suit themselves.
A common practice
He was speaking after Pakistan’s 2-1 series victory over Australia. Shaheen said the strategy is used across the world, and noted that Pakistan meet the same situation on tours of countries such as England and the West Indies, where hosts tend to prepare conditions that favour their own style. As quoted by ESPNcricinfo, he said every side wants pitches that suit it in its own backyard, because the aim is to win. He added that upcoming Test series in the West Indies and England would also offer useful preparation for players ahead of future tournaments.
Lessons from Australia
Shaheen looked back at Pakistan’s time on green, bouncy surfaces in Australia under Mohammad Rizwan’s captaincy, and acknowledged that such conditions are not usually ideal in the subcontinent. He said Pakistan played on those pitches in Australia and won that series, so it would not make sense to offer green wickets to visiting teams at home, since Pakistan need to win.
Looking to 2027
On the 2027 ODI World Cup in Africa, Shaheen said there is still ample time to prepare for different conditions. He stressed that Pakistan will keep trying out various kinds of pitches so they are ready for whatever challenges come.
