How Local Engineering Transformed Pakistan’s Cricket Grounds
Liberal Lawn Mowers’ collaboration with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is a benchmark in indigenous engineering. For over two decades, the company has delivered purpose-built turf care solutions that elevated Pakistan’s cricketing standards and reduced reliance on imported machinery. What began as a single innovation grew into a nationwide transformation that still shapes stadiums today.
Our latest innovation, the cricket pitch roller, showcases our commitment to enhancing the quality of playing surfaces.
Among the innovations, the cricket pitch roller has played a crucial role in maintaining the quality of the playing surface.
1990s — The Turning Point for Pakistan Cricket
By the late 1990s, the PCB relied on one imported roller from the UK, moved city to city for every major match. Apart from this, only Saga Sports, Sialkot, had another roller—making consistent pitch preparation nearly impossible.
At this critical moment, the PCB leadership, under General Tauqir Zia, encouraged local manufacturers to step forward. After other suppliers required dismantling the imported roller, the PCB approached Suhail Iqbal, already known for successfully replicating Ransomes and Jacobsen mowers for Lahore Gymkhana.
Without opening or disassembling any part of the original machine, Suhail reverse-engineered Pakistan’s first Auto Turf Roller—a historic milestone that set the foundation for a long-term partnership.
Practical Innovation: The Contribution of Haji Bashir
Following the success of the first roller, Liberal expanded its engineering footprint. In consultation with PCB curators and ground staff, the company introduced for the firstime in the nation local manufactured:
These became the national standard for pitch compaction.
In the early 2000s, Liberal delivered another game-changing advancement: the Raingun Sprinkler System. First installed at Gaddafi Stadium, the system automated outfield watering, reducing a multi-hour task to just 30 minutes. Versions of this system remain active across major cricket venues to this day.
2008 – The Super Sopper Breakthrough
As cricket formats expanded and match frequencies increased, the PCB faced fresh challenges in managing wet pitches. Imported Australian Super Soppers were expensive and scarce.
Liberal responded by reverse-engineering the Super Sopper, delivering two locally-made units in 2008. Subsequent enhancements made the machines:
2010–2015 — Global Recognition & Complete Cricket Packages
First Exported Auto Roller - kuwait Cricket Club (2005)
In 2005, Liberal achieved its first international milestone by exporting a 5-ton cricket roller to Kuwait Cricket Club
Introducted Cricket Ground Package (2008)
Suhail Iqbal introduced the Raingun Sprinkler System, first installed at Gaddafi Stadium with five high-range sprinklers covering up to 250 feet, transforming hours-long manual watering into a 30-minute automated process. Liberal installed similar systems across all major PCB venues, many still operational two decades later.