PAK vs AUS 2022: Rawalpindi Pitch Given 'Below Average' Rating By The ICC
Updated - 10 Mar 2022, 09:24 PM
Match referee Ranjan Madugalle has confirmed that the surface used for the first Test between Pakistan and Australia at the Pindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi has been rated as ‘below average’.
Under the ICC Pitch and Outfield Monitoring Process, the stadium has been given one demerit point. Fortunately enough, the surface wasn’t rated as poor or unfit as that would have seen demerit points of 3 and 5 respectively.
Speaking about his decision, Madugalle said:
“The character of the pitch hardly changed over the course of five days and that there has been no deterioration apart from the bounce getting slightly lower.“
“The pitch did not have a great deal of pace and bounce in it for the seamers nor assisted the spinners as the match progressed. In my view, this does not represent an even contest between bat and ball. Therefore, in keeping with the ICC guidelines, I rate this pitch as below average.“
What do the ICC rules state with respect to pitch ratings?
As per the ICC, each venue will be given a rating based on which, they can be suspended from hosting in the future for a certain period of time. The rules state that 5 demerit points warrant a suspension of 12 months.
“When a venue accumulates five demerit points (or crosses that threshold), it will be suspended from hosting any international cricket for a period of 12 months, while a venue will be suspended from staging any international cricket for 24 months when it reaches the threshold of 10 demerit points,” the statement from the ICC reads.
The demerit points can be stacked up over a period of five years after which it will be refreshed.
The first Test between Pakistan and Australia ended in a tame draw where the batters made merry on a surface that offered nothing for the bowlers. Over 1000 runs were scored at the loss of just 14 wickets, deeming ICC to award a demerit point.
Tagged:
ICC
