The International Cricket Council (ICC)’s appeal panel rescinded the demerit point awarded to Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium pitch for the third One-day International against Australia in June.
After reviewing match footage, referee reports and captains’ comments, the panel overturned the decision.
“The demerit point imposed on Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium following an “Unsatisfactory” rating for the third Men’s ODI between Pakistan and Australia on 4 June has been rescinded as the panel felt that while the guidelines of the ICC Pitch and Outfield Monitoring Process had been followed by the Match Referee, “the pitch did not demonstrate excessive unevenness or spin,” an ICC media release said.
The Appeals Panel felt that while the guidelines had similarly been followed by the Match Referee, the condition of the pitch used on June 8 “was consistent with that of a satisfactory pitch” and that it “did not demonstrate excessive unevenness, seam movement or spin”, and therefore withdrew the demerit point.
Pakistan won the three-match series 2-1, with spinners from both sides dominating all three games.
Meanwhile, the Maple Leaf Cricket Ground in King City, Toronto, had been imposed with an “Unsatisfactory” rating for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 match between the United States of America and the Netherlands on 8 June and an “Unfit” rating for a subsequent match of the same series between Canada and the Netherlands on 16 June.