Gaddafi Stadium Pitch Gets Clean Chit: ICC Removes ‘Unsatisfactory’ Rating and Demerit Point
The ICC Appeals Panel has removed the demerit point from the pitch at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, Pakistan. This decision was made after reviewing an appeal against the "unsatisfactory" rating given to the pitch in the third ODI between Pakistan and Australia in June.
An ODI Series was played between Pakistan and Australia during June. Third match of this series was played in the Gaddafi Stadium of Lahore. After this match, the International Cricket Council (ICC) penalized this pitch by calling it "unsatisfactory" and issuing demerit point. Now, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has appealed and the ICC has decided to withdraw this decision and the demerit point.
This decision is taken after analyzing the video clips, reports of the match referee and comments of captains who were part of the match held on 4th June. This pitch was earlier declared 'unsatisfactory' through the Pitch and Outfield Monitoring Process of ICC, which lead to awarding one demerit point to the Gaddafi Stadium.
However, after considering the appeal of Pakistan Cricket Board, it was decided that though the match referee did everything in accordance with guidelines, the playing area did not fulfill the requirements of 'unsatisfactory' rating.
