'We sold ₹100 product for ₹5': Latif warns pitch fiasco will 'harm' Pakistan; 'This is a series to market ourselves'

Rashid Latif said that Pakistan had a good opportunity to ‘market’ themselves in the first Test against Australia.

Pakistan played out a dull draw against Australia in the first Test in Rawalpindi. The condition of the pitch came under significant scanner with many former Pakistan cricketers criticising the lifeless surface at Rawalpindi, which saw only 14 wickets falling through the course of five days. Former captains Shahid Afridi and Salman Butt also criticised the Pakistan side's intent, while legendary former Pakistan skipper Inzamam-ul-Haq hoped for better surfaces in the remaining two games of the series.

Pakistan's Imam-ul-Haq plays a shot while Australia's Alex Carey watches during the 5th day of the first Test match between Pakistan and Australia at the Pindi Stadium, in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. (AP)

On his official YouTube channel, former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Rashid Latif also talked about the match in detail and insisted that Pakistan are not doing a good job in marketing their cricket.

“This series is different. This is not a series that we're playing for winning. This is a series we are playing to market ourselves. Even if it goes 3-0, I would want that a ₹100 product is marketed as ₹150 product. But in the Rawalpindi Test, we sold a ₹100 product for ₹5, and it harmed our cricket,” Rashid Latif said.

Latif further pointed out that Australia had sent their no.1 team to Pakistan in a tour that is happening for the first time in 24 years, and Pakistan need to captalize on the opportunity.

“Australia sent their no.1 team after 24 years, they're coming straight after beating England 4-0. Their batters are in their top-10 in the rankings, so are their bowlers. We would've wanted to play good cricket, winning or losing is a different thing. We would've wanted to attract people around the world,” said the former Pakistan cricketer.

“India, for example, are known for their turning pitches and many label them as 'ghar ke sher' (lions at their own home). Sri Lankan pitches still support both batters and bowlers. We had a good opportunity with the pitch in Pindi. It is a brilliant pitch, it assists seam and there's enough for batters as well.”