DUBAI (Web Desk) – The International Cricket Council (ICC) has handed one demerit point each to Lord’s Cricket Ground in England and Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium after rating their pitches as “unsatisfactory.”
According to the ICC, the pitch used during the Test match between England and New Zealand at Lord’s displayed excessive seam movement and inconsistent bounce, raising concerns about playing conditions. The match saw 33 wickets fall within just two days, prompting scrutiny from match officials.
Gaddafi Stadium also received an unsatisfactory rating following a One-Day International played on a surface that was described as slow and low. Officials noted that batting conditions were challenging, while spin bowlers received significant assistance from the pitch from the early stages of the match.
Under ICC regulations, venues that receive poor pitch assessments are assigned one demerit point, which remains on their record for a period of five years.
The governing body has provided both the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) with a 14-day window to appeal the decision.
According to ICC rules, a venue that accumulates six demerit points can be suspended from hosting international matches for one year, while reaching 12 points may result in a two-year ban.
The ICC clarified that neither Lord’s nor Gaddafi Stadium had any previous demerit points before the latest ruling.
