Both venues receive one demerit point after match referees raise concerns about pitch quality in recent international fixtures.
Image: ESPNCricinfo
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has rated the pitches at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore and Lord’s Cricket Ground in London as “unsatisfactory.” As a result, both venues have been given one demerit point under the ICC Pitch and Outfield Monitoring Process.
The sanctions relate to the third ODI between Pakistan and Australia in Lahore and the first Test between England and New Zealand at Lord’s.
Match referee Graeme La Brooy said the Lahore pitch was slow and low, making run-scoring difficult. Batters had to spend significant time adjusting to the surface. He added that the pitch offered assistance to spin bowlers from the start and remained unchanged throughout the match, falling below the expected standard for ODI cricket.
At Lord’s, match referee Andy Pycroft reported excessive seam movement during the Test. He also noted inconsistent bounce, with some deliveries staying unusually low. According to Pycroft, the pitch heavily favoured bowlers, contributing to 33 wickets falling in the first two days.
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have both been notified of the ICC’s findings. Each board has 14 days to appeal the decision.
Neither Lord’s nor Gaddafi Stadium had any previous demerit points on their records before these sanctions.
