Relief For Pakistan! Multan, Rawalpindi Pitches For ENG Vs PAK Tests Rated 'Satisfactory' By ICC

Anurag Dasgupta∙ Updated: Nov 7 2024, 5:49 PM | 2 Min Read

Rawalpindi and Multan pitches get satisfactory rating [Source: @dhillow_/X.Com]

The pitches prepared for the recently concluded Test series between Pakistan and England has been given a green light by the ICC as all three surfaces have received 'satisfactory' rating. The pitches were at the centre of debate throughout the series, but they have now received ICC's positive verdict.

Pitches came under scutiny as Pakistan won the series, 2-1

Interestingly, the Multan surface for the first Test received widespread criticism as more than 1500-plus runs were scored, with Pakistan scoring in excess of 550-plus in their first innings and England notching up more than 800-runs. Also, the match witnessed Harry Brook smashing a record 300 runs as the visitors thrashed the home side.

It was a batting paradise as both the teams enjoyed tormenting the bowlers, and halfway through the fourth day, the second innings was yet to conclude.

In response to their heavy loss in the first Test, Pakistan changed their approach and prepared a spin-friendly surface to take some home advantage. The result was evident as Pakistan spinners, Sajid Khan and Noman Ali ran riot and 39 out of 40 possible wickets fell to spinners. During the preparation, the curator used heaters to dry out the surface, so that the spinners get purchase from it.

England team management complaint on the quality of the pitch, but Pakistan responded by saying that they had all the rights to prepare a surface which had little assistance for the home side.

How ICC rate quality of pitches

The ICC rates pitches and outfield for all the matches on the basis of very good to unfit: very good, satisfactory, unsatisfactory and unfit. Interestingly, one demerit point is awarded to pitches rated unsatisfactory, and three points for unfit pitches.

As per ICC, any venue which gets five or more demerit points for a period of five years gets banned from hosting international matches for one-year. However, both Rawalpindi and Multan have been given a big relief as the pitches have not been docked three rating points.

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