ICC Appeals Panel Revokes Demerit Point for Gaddafi Stadium Pitch

An ICC appeals panel has revoked the demerit point previously assigned to the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore for an “unsatisfactory” pitch during the third ODI between Pakistan and Australia in June. This was the first instance of the Gaddafi Stadium being issued a demerit point.

The pitch drew criticism for excessively aiding spin bowlers in a low-scoring match, which Pakistan won by four wickets after dismissing Australia for 157 runs in 42 overs. This match was unique in the three-ODI series, as it was the only one where no team surpassed the 200-run mark. Pakistan’s captain, Shaheen Afridi, defended the team’s tactics, pointing out that rank turners were produced across all three ODIs held in Rawalpindi and Lahore.

According to an ICC statement, the appeals panel withdrew the sanction after examining match footage, the match referee’s report, and feedback from both teams, concluding that “the pitch did not demonstrate excessive unevenness or spin.”

A spokesperson from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) indicated that they were considering challenging the sanction at the time. The spokesperson stated, “After examining the ICC’s concerns in light of the available evidence, a final decision will be made on whether to challenge this ruling. This process has already been started.”

Match referee Graeme Labrooy initially rated the pitch as “unsatisfactory,” describing it as “slow and low,” which complicated run-scoring. He noted, “It did not suit a One-Day International game as batters had to spend more time to settle in. It helped the spin very early in the match and continued the same way throughout.”

This instance marks the second success for the PCB in overturning an ICC-imposed pitch sanction. The board previously appealed a demerit point issued to Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium for another “unsatisfactory” pitch during the Pakistan vs. England Test in December 2022, which England won after scoring a record 506-4 on day one.

The Gaddafi Stadium is scheduled to host four ODIs in a triangular series featuring Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and England in October, as well as the second Test against Sri Lanka in November.

In related news, the Maple Leaf Cricket Ground in King City, Toronto, remains burdened with three demerit points, as the appeals panel upheld the match referee’s assessment of the pitch’s “unfit” condition during the Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 game between Canada and the Netherlands on June 16. However, the panel affirmed the appeal regarding a June 8 match between the USA and the Netherlands, classifying that pitch as “consistent with that of a satisfactory pitch” after it had been deemed “unsatisfactory” by the match referee.

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