The International Cricket Council (ICC) Appeals Panel on Thursday rescinded the demerit point imposed on Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium after reviewing an appeal against the ‘Unsatisfactory’ rating given to the venue’s pitch during the third ODI between Pakistan and Australia in June. The pitch had initially been rated ‘Unsatisfactory’ under the ICC Pitch and Outfield Monitoring Process, resulting in one demerit point being imposed on the venue. The decision came after the panel reviewed match footage, the match referee’s report, and official comments from the captains involved in the fixture played on June 4.
Appeals Panel Reverses Pitch Rating for US-Netherlands Match
The Appeals Panel has ruled that the pitch used in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 match between the United States and the Netherlands on June 8 does not deserve an ‘Unsatisfactory’ rating. This decision follows an appeal by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). The panel concluded that the playing surface met the standards for a satisfactory pitch, showing no excessive unevenness, seam movement, or spin. As a result, the demerit point assigned to the venue for that match has been rescinded.
However, the panel upheld the three demerit points given to the venue for being rated ‘Unfit’ during the Canada-Netherlands match on June 16. It was determined that the pitch conditions during that game were dangerous, justifying the ‘Unfit’ rating.
