ICC Reverses Decision on Gaddafi Stadium Pitch Rating
ICC Reverses Decision on Gaddafi Stadium Pitch Rating
LAHORE: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has reversed its earlier decision to award a demerit point to Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium over the pitch used during the third ODI between Pakistan and Australia.
The decision was taken after the ICC Appeals Panel reviewed the match footage, the match referee’s report and feedback from the captains. Following the review, the panel concluded that the pitch did not show excessive unevenness or provide an excessive degree of spin.
The original pitch rating had been issued after Pakistan defeated Australia by four wickets in the third ODI. Australia were bowled out for 157, while Pakistan successfully chased the target despite losing six wickets.
Match referee Graeme La Brooy had initially rated the surface as “Unsatisfactory,” saying the pitch was slow and low and made stroke-making difficult. He also noted that the surface offered significant assistance to spinners from the early stages of the match.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) challenged the rating, prompting the ICC review. The Appeals Panel ultimately rescinded the demerit point.
The reversal means Gaddafi Stadium will no longer carry the demerit point previously imposed over the Pakistan-Australia match. The decision is being seen as a relief for the PCB and the historic Lahore venue.
The ICC said the original match referee had applied the relevant guidelines, but the Appeals Panel determined that the evidence did not justify the pitch being classified as unsatisfactory.
The development comes as Gaddafi Stadium continues to play an important role in Pakistan’s international cricket calendar, with the venue expected to host major fixtures in the future.