Pietersen, Finn call Multan pitch 'bowlers graveyard'

Former England captain Kevin Pietersen has taken to social media to express his thoughts on the pitch conditions in Multan during the ongoing first Test match between Pakistan and England.

Pietersen posted on X, "That wicket in Multan - bowlers graveyard!" highlighting his belief that the pitch is highly favorable for batting.

As the match unfolds, both teams have faced challenges with the surface, which has shown little assistance for bowlers. The pitch is flat and appears to be batting-friendly, allowing batsmen to score freely without much threat from the bowlers.

With the ongoing series being part of the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25, both teams are eager to secure valuable points, making the performance on this batting-friendly pitch all the more critical.

Meanwhile, former England pacer Steven Finn has also expressed disappointment over the batting-friendly conditions of the pitch in Multan, as Pakistan dominated the opening day of the ongoing series opener on Monday.

Finn took to social media to criticize the state of the pitch, commenting, "This pitch looks like a carpet laid in the living room. It's not great to see that as a bowler."

ICC congratulates Richardson on 50 Tests as referee

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has congratulated Richie Richardson for officiating in 50 Men's Test matches as a Match Referee.

Richardson, a member of the Emirates ICC Panel of Elite Match Referees, reached the landmark when he took the field in the first Test between Pakistan and England in Multan on Monday.

The 62-year-old former West Indies captain has also officiated in 99 Men's ODIs, 99 Men's T20Is, eight Women's ODIs and 15 Women's T20Is since making his international debut in February 2016.

Richardson said it was an honour for him indeed. "It is an honour to be officiating in my 50th Men's Test match. I have enjoyed doing this job in different parts of the world and in all three formats of the game.