Tony Hemming has been appointed as the new head curator for the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on a two-year contract. The Western Australian, known for his extensive experience in pitch preparation, will arrive in Lahore on Wednesday to assume his role.
Hemming’s immediate responsibility will be to prepare pitches for five crucial ICC World Test Championship matches. These matches include two against Bangladesh scheduled for August and September, and three against England set for October. His expertise will be crucial in ensuring the pitches are of high quality, providing fair and competitive conditions for the teams involved.
Beyond these immediate tasks, Hemming will also be in charge of preparing the pitches for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which Pakistan is set to host from February 19 to March 9. This event is significant for Pakistan as it provides an opportunity to showcase its capability to host international cricket tournaments successfully, further enhancing its reputation on the global stage.
Hemming brings nearly four decades of experience to the role. He has earned a stellar reputation in the cricketing world, having worked at several iconic cricket grounds in Australia, including those in Melbourne, Perth, and Tasmania. His expertise is not limited to Australia; he has also worked in various countries, including Bangladesh, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Notably, Hemming served as the ICC’s Head Curator from 2007 to 2017 in Dubai. During his tenure with the ICC, he oversaw the preparation of pitches at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, which served as one of Pakistan’s home venues between 2009 and 2019.
Hemming’s appointment comes as a replacement for Zahid, who has had a long and distinguished career with the PCB. Zahid joined the Chairman PCB Curators Committee in 2001 and was appointed as the Chief Curator in 2004. Despite resigning from this role in 2020, Zahid was reappointed by former PCB Chairman Ramiz Raja in 2021. Hemming’s experience and expertise will be critical in continuing and enhancing the work that Zahid has done over the years.
The challenges that Hemming faces are considerable. Preparing pitches in Pakistan, especially during the monsoon season, requires meticulous planning and execution. The pitches need to balance the needs of both batsmen and bowlers, ensuring a fair contest and reducing the chances of matches being overly skewed in favor of one discipline. Hemming’s vast experience, including his work in diverse climates and conditions around the world, will be instrumental in addressing these challenges.
In addition to the World Test Championship and the ICC Champions Trophy, Hemming will likely have a broader mandate to improve the overall quality of pitches in Pakistan. This includes domestic cricket pitches, which are crucial for the development of local talent. High-quality pitches at the domestic level ensure that players are better prepared for the rigors of international cricket.
Hemming’s appointment is also a testament to the PCB’s commitment to improving cricket infrastructure in the country. By bringing in a curator of Hemming’s caliber, the PCB is making a clear statement about its dedication to providing the best possible conditions for cricket in Pakistan. This move is expected to have a positive impact on the quality of cricket played in the country, benefiting players, teams, and fans alike.
Tony Hemming’s appointment as the head curator for the PCB marks a significant step in the right direction for Pakistani cricket. His extensive experience and proven track record in pitch preparation will be invaluable as Pakistan prepares to host several important international fixtures in the coming years. With Hemming at the helm, the future of cricket pitches in Pakistan looks promising, ensuring that players have the best possible conditions to showcase their talents and entertain fans around the world.
