Lahore, August 20, 2026: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has rescinded the demerit point imposed on Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium after reviewing an appeal lodged by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) against the venue’s pitch rating for the third ODI between Pakistan and Australia played on June 4.
The ICC announced the outcome of three appeals submitted by the PCB and Cricket Canada against demerit points imposed on pitches following matches played in June.
An ICC Appeals Panel reached its decisions after examining match footage, reports from Match Referees and official comments provided by the respective team captains.
Gaddafi Stadium had received an “Unsatisfactory” rating following the Pakistan-Australia ODI, resulting in one demerit point being imposed on the Lahore venue.
However, the appeals panel concluded that although the Match Referee had followed the guidelines of the ICC Pitch and Outfield Monitoring Process, the pitch “did not demonstrate excessive unevenness or spin”.
The panel therefore rescinded the demerit point, leaving Gaddafi Stadium with no demerit points on its record.
The ICC also reviewed two appeals relating to the Maple Leaf Cricket Ground in King City, Toronto.
The venue was given an “Unsatisfactory” rating following the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 match between the United States and the Netherlands on June 8.
The ground was subsequently rated “Unfit” after another League 2 fixture between Canada and the Netherlands on June 16.
For the June 8 match, the Appeals Panel overturned the demerit point imposed on the venue. It found that although the Match Referee had followed the relevant guidelines, the condition of the playing surface was consistent with that of a satisfactory pitch and did not demonstrate excessive unevenness, seam movement or spin.
However, the panel upheld the three demerit points imposed following the June 16 match.
After reviewing the evidence, the panel determined that the condition of the pitch was dangerous and therefore consistent with an “Unfit” rating.
