'It takes everything away from a captain' - Salman Butt slams PCB for not preparing result-oriented pitches

Former Pakistani batter Salman Butt hopes for more result-oriented pitches at home ahead of Pakistan’s Test series against West Indies. He said that results are difficult to be achieved on pitches that are hard to break, adding that such surfaces do not test the captain’s skill. Butt captained Pakistan in 2010 and also appeared in 33 Test matches for Pakistan before he faced a lengthy ban by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for his involvement in a spot-fixing scandal.

Meanwhile, Butt further added that a captain’s skill and tactics are more evident in the longer formats. The former Pakistan opening batter, however, feels that the kind of pitches that are made at home takes everything away from a captain in terms of strategy. The 37-year-old also said that the current captain Babr Azam, after gathering some experience leading the team, would improve with time.

A captain’s skills and tactical ability are visible more in Test cricket: Salman Butt

“You can look at the pitch and say that spinners will play. A result is difficult to achieve even till the fifth day. One has to wait till the end to see if the pitch breaks. This doesn’t test a captain’s skill,” said Butt, as quoted by India Today.

“To do that, go and win in England. Or give tougher teams a run for their money. A captain’s skills and tactical ability are visible more in Test cricket and ODIs, which we play very less. Test cricket gives the best chance to see a captain’s ability but the kind of pitches we make at home, it takes everything away from a captain in terms of strategy,” he added. 

Earlier in the year, when Australia toured Pakistan, two out of three Test matches resulted in a draw, including the first Test match where only three out of four innings were completed. The Aussies eventually wrapped up the series as they won by 115 runs in the final Test match. The Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Ramiz Raja, justified the lack of result in the Australia series by stating that they did not want to produce bouncy wickets and play to the Aussies’ strength.