The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced decisions on three pitch-rating appeals submitted by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Cricket Canada.
The appeals concerned demerit points imposed on venues following international matches in June. After reviewing the cases, the ICC Appeals Panel overturned one rating for Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium.
However, Maple Leaf Cricket Ground in Canada will retain three demerit points following another pitch-rating decision.
Gaddafi Stadium Demerit Point Rescinded
The ICC has removed the demerit point given to Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
The venue received an “Unsatisfactory” rating after the third men’s ODI between Pakistan and Australia on June 4.
The Appeals Panel reviewed match footage, the Match Referee’s report and comments from the respective team captains.
The panel noted that the Match Referee had followed the ICC’s Pitch and Outfield Monitoring Process guidelines. However, it found that the pitch did not show excessive unevenness or spin.
As a result, the demerit point was rescinded.
Gaddafi Stadium now has zero demerit points on its record.
Maple Leaf Cricket Ground Loses One Demerit Point
The Appeals Panel also reviewed two ratings involving the Maple Leaf Cricket Ground in King City, Toronto.
The venue had received an “Unsatisfactory” rating during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 match between the United States and the Netherlands on June 8.
After examining the evidence, the panel found that the surface was consistent with a satisfactory pitch. It also determined that the pitch did not show excessive unevenness, seam movement or spin.
The demerit point from that match has therefore been withdrawn.
Three Demerit Points Remain for Canadian Venue
The Maple Leaf Cricket Ground also received an “Unfit” rating following the Canada-Netherlands match on June 16.
The Appeals Panel decided to uphold the three demerit points imposed for that match.
The panel concluded that the pitch condition was dangerous. It therefore determined that the “Unfit” rating was appropriate.
Unlike the June 8 rating, the June 16 decision remains unchanged.
Final Pitch Ratings After ICC Appeals
Following the ICC Appeals Panel’s decisions, the two venues now have different records.
Gaddafi Stadium: Zero demerit points
Maple Leaf Cricket Ground: Three demerit points
The decisions followed a detailed review of match footage, official reports and comments from team captains.
The rulings provide clarity for both venues after the PCB and Cricket Canada challenged the original pitch ratings. Gaddafi Stadium has successfully cleared its demerit point, while the Maple Leaf Cricket Ground continues to carry three points because of the dangerous pitch identified during the June 16 fixture.
