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. 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 The International Cricket Council (ICC) Appeals Panel on Thursday rescinded the demerit point imposed on Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium after reviewing an appeal against the ‘Unsatisfactory’ rating given to the venue’s pitch during the third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.
Appeals Panel Clears Pitch Rating for US-Netherlands Match
The Appeals Panel has ruled in favor of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), stating that the match referee adhered to the relevant guidelines. However, the panel found the playing surface for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 match between the United States and the Netherlands on June 8 did not warrant an ‘Unsatisfactory’ rating. The pitch was deemed satisfactory, showing no excessive unevenness, seam movement, or spin. Consequently, the demerit point issued for this match has been retracted.
In contrast, the three demerit points assigned to the venue for the Canada-Netherlands match on June 16 remain unchanged. The panel determined that the pitch conditions during that game were dangerous, justifying the ‘Unfit’ rating.
