In a bid to improve the quality of pitches at all major venues in Pakistan, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has roped in Andy Atkinson who is set to visit Karachi, Rawalpindi, Multan and Lahore to improve the condition of surfaces and train the local curators.

After observing surfaces in all these venues, which are set to host Pakistan Super League (PSL) fifth edition next month, the seasoned pitch analyst will present his findings to the PCB and submit his proposals for improving the standards.

The curator will share his knowledge with the local curators and train them during his stay as PCB is hoping to create pitches that offer a balance between bat and ball to avoid dead-rubbers.

Veteran curator and ICC’s pitch consultant Andy has arrived today in Karachi and will start the task from National Stadium.

According to sources, Andy will spend two days in Karachi, one day in Multan and Rawalpindi. He will stay for three days in PCB headquarters in Lahore before leaving on January 10 for South Africa where he will prepare pitches for the all-important ICC Under-19 World Cup.

Andy will carry out soil analysis in the four venues and assess the current facilities available to the curators. Moreover, he will guide the local curators via practical demonstrations on preparing quality tracks.

The idea is to make wickets that have something for the bowlers as opposed to creating batting-friendly surfaces that often make the contest dull and lopsided.

Pakistan’s premier domestic competition ‘Quaid-e-Azam trophy’ format was revamped last year, regional sides were up against one another and heaps of runs were scored in 2019 edition. It was a run-fest for the batsmen who scored a whopping 77 centuries.

It’s not the first time Andy is paying a visit to Pakistan; he came in 2001 and was entrusted with a similar task.