Summary ICC has rated pitches at Lord’s and Gaddafi Stadium unsatisfactory, issuing one demerit point to each venue.
DUBAI (Dunya News) - The International Cricket Council (ICC) has rated the pitches at England’s historic Lord’s Cricket Ground and Pakistan’s Gaddafi Stadium as “unsatisfactory,” handing one demerit point to each venue.
According to the ICC, the pitch used in the Test match between England and New Zealand showed excessive seam movement and inconsistent bounce. The match, in which 33 wickets fell within just two days, raised concerns over playing conditions at Lord’s.
Meanwhile, the pitch at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, used for a One-Day International, was also deemed below international standards. Match officials reported that the surface was slow and low, making batting difficult, while spinners enjoyed unusual assistance from the start of the game.
Under ICC regulations, venues receiving poor pitch ratings are awarded one demerit point, which remains on record for five years.
The ICC has given both the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) 14 days to appeal the decision.
According to rules, a venue with six demerit points can face a one-year ban from hosting international cricket, while 12 points may result in a two-year suspension.
The ICC clarified that neither Lord’s nor Gaddafi Stadium had any previous demerit points before this ruling.
