The International Cricket Council (ICC) has rescinded the demerit point handed to Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium after accepting an appeal by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) against the pitch rating for the third ODI between Pakistan and Australia in June. The surface had initially been rated “Unsatisfactory” following the June 4 match, resulting in one demerit point for the venue under the ICC’s Pitch and Outfield Monitoring Process. The decision has now been overturned following a review by the ICC Appeals Panel.
Appeals Panel reviews evidence
The ICC said the panel examined footage from the match along with the match referee’s report and comments provided by the captains before arriving at its decision.
While the panel found that the match referee had correctly followed the ICC’s pitch-monitoring guidelines, it concluded that the Gaddafi Stadium surface did not display a sufficient degree of excessive unevenness or spin to warrant the “Unsatisfactory” classification.
The demerit point was consequently removed, leaving the Lahore venue with no demerit points on its record.
Under ICC regulations, a venue receives one demerit point when its pitch or outfield is rated “Unsatisfactory”, while an “Unfit” rating attracts three points. Demerit points remain active for a rolling five-year period.
A ground accumulating six demerit points is barred from hosting international cricket for 12 months. Reaching 12 points results in a 24-month suspension from staging international fixtures.
Canadian venue appeal partly succeeds
The ICC Appeals Panel also considered two ratings involving the Maple Leaf Cricket Ground in King City, Toronto, following matches played there in June.
The Canadian venue had received an “Unsatisfactory” rating for the World Cup League 2 match between the United States and the Netherlands on June 8. After reviewing the evidence, the panel concluded that the pitch was consistent with the standard expected of a satisfactory surface and removed the accompanying demerit point.
However, a separate appeal concerning the ground’s “Unfit” rating for the Canada-Netherlands match on June 16 did not succeed. The panel determined that the pitch used for that fixture was dangerous and upheld the three demerit points imposed on the venue.
Following the appeals, Maple Leaf Cricket Ground retains three demerit points, while Gaddafi Stadium’s record has been cleared.