ICC overturns Gaddafi Stadium demerit point after Pakistan’s successful appeal

The ICC has revoked the demerit point imposed on Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore following an appeal over the pitch used for the third ODI between Pakistan and Australia in June.

The surface had originally been rated “unsatisfactory” after a low-scoring match in which Australia were bowled out for 157 and Pakistan completed a four-wicket win. Match referee Graeme Labrooy had cited the pitch’s slow and low nature and the excessive assistance it provided to spin bowlers.

However, after reviewing match footage, the referee's report and feedback from both teams, an ICC appeals panel concluded that the pitch “did not demonstrate excessive unevenness or spin” and rescinded the sanction.

It was the first demerit point handed to Gaddafi Stadium, and the successful appeal marks the second time the PCB has overturned an ICC pitch-related sanction. Pakistan had previously succeeded in having a demerit point against Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium rescinded following the Pakistan-England Test in 2022.

The Gaddafi Stadium is set to host four ODIs in a tri-series involving Pakistan, Sri Lanka and England in October, followed by the second Test between Pakistan and Sri Lanka in November.

Meanwhile, the ICC appeals panel upheld the “unfit” rating for the Maple Leaf Cricket Ground pitch in King City, Toronto, for the Canada-Netherlands Cricket World Cup League 2 match on June 16, meaning the venue will retain its three demerit points. However, the panel overturned the “unsatisfactory” rating for the USA-Netherlands match played at the same venue on June 8.