Pakistan is facing severe challenges in all formats in international cricket. Their latest upset came last month when they lost the home Test series 0-2 to Bangladesh, an overwhelming clean sweep that sent shock waves through the cricketing fraternity. The result has spelled doom for the Pakistani team and increased criticism over their display of cricket in Test cricket.

Pakistan To Play 3-Match Test Series Against England

With the three-match Test series against England starting on Monday, October 7 the team will be under scanner again to bounce back and prove wrong their critics, but it seems some longstanding issues might be blocking their way to recovery.

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Flat Pitches: A Big Issue For Pakistan

Former Pakistan player Basit Ali has pointed out that there is still a recurring problem: the team’s batters are still pleading for flat pitches at home. This has often caught up with them, delaying their cause on harder surfaces and largely responsible for their fitful Test record in the past few years. Basit further disclosed that head coach Jason Gillespie has taken an extremely firm stand against these demands. Gillespie has given them a wake-up call, Basit said of the reaction to the batters.

Basit Ali Shares Jason Gillespie’s Opinion

“I will give you an inside story. Jason Gillespie has handed a shut-up call to Pakistan batters. He wants the pitch to remain the same that has been prepared by the groundsman,” Basit revealed on his official YouTube channel.

“Pakistan batters wanted to cut off the grass to make it a flat pitch. The pitch curator and Gillespie want to play on the same pitch. I would be really happy if the match took place on a grassy surface and our bowlers took wickets.”

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The flat pitches in Pakistan have been greatly criticized since 2022, especially with the country beginning to host regular prominent Test-playing nations. In 2022, under the leadership of Babar Azam, Pakistan lost a Test series to both Australia and England. The Rawalpindi pitch was handed demerit points for their un-sporting nature in both series.