International Cricket Council (ICC) has objected to the poor pitch during the first test between Pakistan and Australia in Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium that began on 4th March and ended up being a draw.
ICC called the pitch “below average”. Criticism on the poor quality of the pitch had poured in on social media already. Cricket fans had slammed Pakistan Cricket Board for allegedly making a dead pitch that too for the historic series as Australia had returned to Pakistan for cricket series after almost 24 years.
Fans had expected some good quality pitch where players could have to get the chance to manifest their skills and entertain the spectators. ICC asserted that Ranjan Madgulle, the ICC match referee for the Test series declared the pitch below average. He also sent his report to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
In his report he said, the pitch did not favor batters and bowlers equally. “The character of the pitch hardly changed over five days, except that the bounce slightly lowered,” wrote Madugalle.
“In my view, this does not represent an even contest between bat and ball. Therefore, in line with the ICC guidelines, I rate this pitch below average,” he declared.
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Resultantly, ICC gave a demerit point. The demerit point stays for five years. If the venue gets five demerits points, it is suspended from hosting international cricket for 12 months. If it gets 10 demerit points, the venue is suspended from hosting international cricket matches for 24 months.
JUST IN: The Rawalpindi pitch for the first #PAKvAUS Test has been rated as 'below average' by ICC match referee Ranjan Madugalle and has been handed one demerit point.
Five demerit points in a five-year period would result in a 12 month ban from hosting international cricket. pic.twitter.com/7ZrVqtYI4e
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) March 10, 2022
The fans are upset and disappointed since they believe it can hurt the long and hard process of resuming international cricket in Pakistan. Interestingly, former Pakistani player, Muhammad Yusuf had defended the pitch saying, “Everyone prepares the wicket according to their strength and condition; we do not get what we want when we go to Australia for our matches.”