Gaddafi Stadium Gets Clean Slate After ICC Appeal

News Desk 

Islamabad: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has cleared Gaddafi Stadium Lahore of the demerit point imposed over its pitch for the third ODI between Pakistan and Australia, following an appeal by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

The ICC Appeals Panel reviewed the match footage, referee reports and captains’ assessments before overturning the decision. It concluded that although match referee Graeme La Brooy had rated the June 4 pitch as “unsatisfactory”, there was no evidence of excessive unevenness or excessive spin during the game.

La Brooy had earlier said the surface was slow and low, making stroke-making difficult and providing assistance to spinners from the beginning of the match. Australia were dismissed for 157 in 42 overs before Pakistan chased down the target for the loss of four wickets.

The decision means Gaddafi Stadium no longer has any demerit points on its record.

The ICC also reviewed two appeals concerning the Maple Leaf Cricket Ground in King City, Canada. The demerit point awarded for the June 8 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 match between the USA and the Netherlands has been withdrawn after the panel determined that the pitch was of satisfactory quality.

However, the appeal concerning the June 16 Canada-Netherlands match was rejected. The panel upheld the classification of that surface as “poor”, saying its condition had been dangerous.

Following the rulings, three demerit points remain against the Maple Leaf Cricket Ground, while Gaddafi Stadium has been cleared of all pitch-related demerit points.

The development comes ahead of a busy international schedule at Lahore’s venue, which is set to host four ODIs involving Pakistan, Sri Lanka and England in October, followed by the second Test against Sri Lanka in November.