IPL 2025: LSG Mentor Zaheer Khan Blames Ekana Pitch for Team’s Loss Against Punjab Kings
Zaheer Khan questioned the Lucknow pitch after LSG’s loss to PBKS, hinting at a lack of home advantage.
The debate over IPL 2025 pitch conditions continues. This time, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) mentor Zaheer Khan questioned the surface used for their home match against Punjab Kings (PBKS).
LSG lost the game by eight wickets, suffering their second defeat of the season. Zaheer pointed fingers at the pitch curator, suggesting that the home team did not get the advantage they expected.
LSG might have hoped for a spin-friendly pitch, but it turned out to favor pacers instead. Punjab’s fast bowlers dominated the game. Arshdeep Singh took three wickets, while Lockie Ferguson and Marco Jansen picked up one each. As a result, LSG managed to score only 171/7 in 20 overs.
In response, PBKS batters made the chase look easy. They reached the target in just 16.2 overs with 22 balls left. LSG’s bowlers struggled, with only mystery spinner Digvesh Singh Rathi taking two wickets.
After the match, Zaheer expressed his disappointment. He hinted that the curator might have favored PBKS instead of preparing a pitch suitable for LSG.
“What was a little disappointing for me here… Considering it’s a home game, and in IPL, teams usually take some home advantage, the curator didn’t seem to think that way. It looked like a Punjab curator prepared this pitch,” Zaheer said in the press conference.
He further added, “I hope this is the first and last time this happens. Lucknow fans came with big expectations for the first home game, and they deserve better.”
Similar Pitch Controversies in IPL 2025
This is not the first time a team has raised concerns about pitch conditions. Earlier, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane requested a spin-friendly wicket at Eden Gardens.
However, the curator refused, saying, “As long as I am here, the pitch won’t change.” Former cricketer Simon Doull even suggested KKR should change their home ground. The issue was later resolved, but Zaheer’s comments have reignited the discussion about pitch control in IPL.
Despite his frustration, Zaheer made it clear that LSG is not blaming the loss entirely on the pitch.
“We accept our defeat. We have six more home matches, and we are confident. This team has the right mindset for the tournament,” he said.
He also stressed the importance of supporting home teams. “It’s not just about the pitch. The whole city needs to stand behind their team. We will find a way to win matches no matter what,” he added.
As IPL 2025 moves forward, it remains to be seen if LSG can bounce back and if the league will take action on pitch-related issues.
