The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced a significant update to its cricket ball selection for the upcoming 2024-25 season. This strategic move is part of the PCB’s ongoing efforts to enhance the quality of domestic cricket across various levels and formats.
In a bid to optimize performance on home pitches, the PCB has decided to use Duke cricket balls exclusively for all senior red-ball domestic matches. This choice was made after thorough consideration and analysis of local ground conditions.
The Duke ball, known for its durability and ability to swing, is expected to bring a new level of competition and skill to Pakistan’s first-class cricket.
For grassroots and developmental cricket, including age-group tournaments and club competitions, the PCB has opted for local brands Aceline and Grays.
These brands have been chosen to promote homegrown talent and provide young cricketers with the opportunity to adapt to the playing conditions they will face as they progress through the ranks.
In the realm of limited-overs cricket, the PCB will continue to use the Kookaburra cricket ball for all domestic white-ball matches. This decision aligns with international standards, as the Kookaburra ball is widely used in limited-overs formats around the world.
Notably, this ball will also be used in Pakistan’s seven ICC World Test Championship fixtures, which include high-profile matches against Bangladesh, England, and the West Indies.
A critical aspect of this strategy is the PCB’s recent appointment of Tony Hemming as Chief Curator. Hemming, with his extensive experience in pitch preparation, will play a pivotal role in ensuring that the pitches are tailored to suit the different ball types being used.
His collaboration with ground staff across the country is expected to result in pitches that offer a balanced contest between bat and ball, enhancing the overall quality of cricket.
Furthermore, Hemming will be responsible for training local curators, with the goal of maintaining consistent pitch standards nationwide. This focus on pitch preparation, combined with the strategic ball selection, reflects the PCB’s commitment to elevating the standard of domestic cricket in Pakistan.
Through these initiatives, the PCB aims to not only improve the domestic cricketing landscape but also better prepare the national team for the challenges of international cricket.
