New Delhi, 20 August (H.S.):

The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Thursday announced its decisions on three appeals filed by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Cricket Canada concerning pitch ratings for matches played in June. Following the appeals, one demerit point imposed on Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium has been removed.

According to the ICC, the appeals panel reached its decision after reviewing match footage, match referee reports and comments from the team captains. Gaddafi Stadium had received an “unsatisfactory” rating for the pitch used during the third ODI between Pakistan and Australia on June 4, resulting in one demerit point being added to the venue’s record.

The ICC appeals panel found that the match referee had followed the guidelines prescribed under the ICC’s Pitch and Outfield Monitoring Process. However, the panel observed that there was no evidence of excessive uneven bounce or excessive turn on the pitch. Consequently, the demerit point imposed on Gaddafi Stadium was overturned.

Maple Leaf Cricket Ground Loses One Demerit Point

The appeals panel also delivered its decisions in two cases concerning the Maple Leaf Cricket Ground in King City, Toronto.

The pitch used for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 match between the United States and the Netherlands on June 8 had been rated “unsatisfactory”. Meanwhile, the pitch used for the match between Canada and the Netherlands on June 16 in the same series had been rated “unfit”, meaning it was deemed unsuitable for play.

The appeals panel overturned the demerit point awarded for the June 8 pitch.

The panel concluded that the condition of the pitch used on that day was consistent with an acceptable playing surface and did not display excessive uneven bounce, seam movement or turn.

Three Demerit Points Retained for June 16 Pitch

However, the three demerit points imposed after the June 16 pitch was rated “unfit” have been retained.

The appeals panel concluded that the condition of the pitch posed a safety risk and that its classification as “unfit” was therefore justified.

Following the decisions, Maple Leaf Cricket Ground has three demerit points on its record, while Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium now has no demerit points against it.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar