'Can't put in Australia's lap': PCB chairman Ramiz Raja defends 'dull' Rawalpindi pitch

Amid a stern backlash, Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Ramiz Raja defended the Rawalpindi pitch that hosted the first Test match between Pakistan and Australia.

In a YouTube video posted by PCB, Raja said that it is important that when Pakistan play at home, they play according to their strengths.

"We can't make a fast or bouncy pitch for the heck of it and put the conditions in Australia's lap," Raja added.

While acknowledging the frustration of fans, Raja also said that it would have been great if there was a result in the first Test, but one should remember that this is a three-match Test series and a lot of cricket is still to be played.

Earlier former Pakistani players such as Inzamam-ul-Haw, Shahid Afridi among others have criticised the Rawalpindi pitch.

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Notably, both teams scored more than 400 runs in their first innings as Australia's first Test on Pakistan's soil in 24 years ended in a dull draw.

The second Test of the three-match series will begin on March 12 at National Stadium in Karachi.