The International Cricket Council has withdrawn the demerit point imposed on Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium following an appeal by the Pakistan Cricket Board over the pitch rating for the third Men’s ODI against Australia on June 4.
The ICC Appeals Panel reviewed match footage, Match Referees’ reports, and captains’ comments before reaching its decision, as stated in an ICC media release.
While the Match Referee had followed the ICC Pitch and Outfield Monitoring Process guidelines, the panel determined that the pitch did not exhibit excessive unevenness or spin, leading to the rescinding of the “Unsatisfactory” rating and associated demerit point.
Similarly, an “Unsatisfactory” rating and demerit point initially given to the Maple Leaf Cricket Ground in King City, Toronto, for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 match between the United States and the Netherlands on June 8 was also withdrawn. The panel concluded the pitch condition on that date was consistent with a satisfactory pitch and did not show excessive unevenness, seam movement, or spin.
However, the three demerit points assigned to the Maple Leaf Cricket Ground for an “Unfit” rating on June 16 during the match between Canada and the Netherlands remain. The panel judged the pitch on that date to be dangerous, consistent with an “Unfit” pitch.
As a result, the Maple Leaf Cricket Ground holds three demerit points, while the Gaddafi Stadium currently has none.