KARACHI, Aug 4: Former Test cricketer Salahuddin Ahmed has welcomed Pakistan Cricket Board’s move to have neutral umpires in the forthcoming home series against England. He said on Thursday that the PCB has taken a right step by asking the International Cricket Council (ICC) to allow neutral umpires to supervise the one-day series against visiting England later this year.

He said that as far as local umpires are concerned, they could get the opportunity to supervise matches outside Pakistan.

Salahuddin, who is also a former chairman of selectors, said that the ICC should enforce neutral umpires in all international series everywhere in the world.

Commenting on the upcoming series against England, Salahuddin said that he was anticipating a very tough contest for supremacy in both the Test and One-day matches.

He remarked that nobody should judge England on their basis of their crushing defeat against Australia in the first Ashes Test as the conditions would be completely different in Pakistan.

He pointed out that in Pakistan, England would be playing on slower pitches and are expected to come out with a much better performance as compared to their showing against mighty Australia.

Salahuddin rated England as a balanced squad with some good fast bowlers and a few reliable batsmen.

He added that Pakistan will have to come out with a well-prepared and strong team to be able to beat England even in their own backyard.—PPI