The International Cricket Council (ICC) Monday rescinded the demerit points slapped on Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium after Pakistan vs England Test there last month.
Furthermore, Rawalpindi’s wicket’s “below average” designation has been removed by the ICC.
The action follows an appeal against the ICC ruling by the management committee of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), which is chaired by Najam Sethi.
“Following an appeal by the Pakistan Cricket Board pursuant to the ICC Pitch and Outfield Monitoring Process, the demerit point handed to the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium for a ‘below average’ pitch rating for the first match of the ICC World Test Championship series between Pakistan and England from 1 to 5 December last year has been rescinded,” the ICC said in a statement.
“There were several redeeming features – including the fact that a result was achieved following a compelling game, with 37 out of a possible 39 wickets being taken. As such, the appeal panel concluded that the wicket did not warrant the ‘below average’ rating,” it stated.
The stadium’s pitch, which was used for the opening match of the ICC World Test Championship series between Pakistan and England, was rated “below average” by match referee Andy Pycroft last month, and as a result, the venue received one demerit point under the ICC Pitch and Outfield Monitoring Process.
The PCB chairman at the time, Ramiz Raja, had described the wicket as embarrassing. Sethi, who had taken Raja’s place a few days after the Rawalpindi Test, went to the ICC and contested the judgment.
“We did write a strong letter to ICC on this. I am glad that the decision has come in our favour,” Sethi said after ICC accepted Pakistan’s appeal.
