Two Major Venues Penalised Under ICC Pitch Rules
The International Cricket Council has awarded one demerit point each to Lord’s Cricket Ground and Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium after rating their recent match pitches as unsatisfactory.
The decision was taken under the ICC Pitch and Outfield Monitoring Process. The ratings followed reports submitted by match referees Andy Pycroft and Graeme La Brooy.
Lord’s was penalised for the pitch used in the first Test between England and New Zealand. Gaddafi Stadium received the sanction for the surface used during the third ODI between Pakistan and Australia.
Neither venue had any demerit points on record before the latest ICC action.
The reports have now been forwarded to the England and Wales Cricket Board and the Pakistan Cricket Board. Both boards have 14 days to appeal the decision.
Lord’s Surface Criticised for Excessive Bowling Help
Match referee Andy Pycroft raised concerns over the Lord’s pitch. He said the surface offered too much help to bowlers throughout the Test match.
According to his assessment, the pitch produced significant seam movement and inconsistent bounce. He also noted that the ball stayed unusually low on several occasions.
Pycroft said the conditions created an unfair balance between bat and ball. He pointed out that 16 wickets fell on the opening day and 17 wickets fell on the second day.
England won the match by 115 runs after dismissing New Zealand for 138 while defending a target of 254. The result gave England a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Gaddafi Stadium Pitch Rated Too Slow for ODI Cricket
Gaddafi Stadium also came under criticism after the third ODI between Pakistan and Australia.
Match referee Graeme La Brooy described the Lahore surface as excessively slow and low. He said the pitch was not suitable for an ODI contest.
According to his report, batters needed considerable time to settle at the crease. Spin bowlers also received assistance from the surface from the early stages of the match.
The ICC rules state that a venue receives one demerit point when a pitch is rated unsatisfactory. A more serious unfit rating carries three demerit points.
Demerit points remain active on a venue’s record for a rolling five-year period.
If a venue collects six demerit points, it can be suspended from hosting international cricket for 12 months. If it reaches 12 demerit points, the suspension can extend to two years.
The latest sanctions have placed both historic venues under closer scrutiny. Future pitch preparation at Lord’s and Gaddafi Stadium will now be watched carefully by officials, boards and cricket fans.
