(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
ICC issues demerit point to Gaddafi Stadium after “unsatisfactory” pitch rating
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has rated the pitches at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium and London’s Lord’s Cricket Ground as “unsatisfactory” following recent international matches, with both venues receiving one demerit point each under the ICC Pitch and Outfield Monitoring Process.
The decision follows assessments of the first Test between England and New Zealand at Lord’s and the third ODI between Pakistan and Australia in Lahore.
According to match officials, the playing surfaces did not fully meet expected international standards for balanced competition between batters and bowlers.
At Lord’s, the pitch reportedly offered excessive seam movement and inconsistent bounce, making batting conditions difficult throughout the Test match. A large number of wickets fell in the early stages of the game, indicating challenging conditions for batters.
In Lahore, the surface was described as slow and low, with scoring proving difficult for batters. Officials noted that spin assistance was evident early in the match and remained largely consistent throughout the game.
Both the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have been informed and may appeal the decision within the permitted timeframe. Neither venue had any previous demerit points recorded before this ruling.
