The International Cricket Council (ICC) Monday rescinded the demerit points slapped on Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium after Pakistan vs England Test there last month.
The decision was taken following an appeal from the Pakistan Cricket Board. The Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium was given a “below average” pitch rating after the first Test of the series in early December.
The Test saw some electrifying batting with England winning by 74 runs. PCB chairman Ramiz Raja had then labelled the pitch as ’embarrassing’ and Andy Pycroft of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees agreed with his prognosis.
“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match of the ICC World Test Championship series between Pakistan and England from 1 to 5 December last year has been rescinded,” the ICC said in a statement.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.
