The International Cricket Council (ICC) has declared the Pindi Cricket Stadium wicket used in the Rawalpindi Test between Pakistan and Australia to be substandard, with the venue being given a de-merit point as punishment.
The wicket of the first cricket Test between Pakistan and Australia in Rawalpindi was criticized from all sides. Only 14 wickets were lost in five days of the match and the match ended in a draw, after which ICC match referee Ranjan In his report, Madugalle described the wicket as below standard.
Ranjan Madugalle said in his report that there was no change in the reaction of the wicket during the five days, there was nothing for the fast bowlers on the wicket and the spinners did not get any help due to which there was no equal competition in bat and ball. Therefore, according to ICC rules, this wicket is considered below the standard.
He further said that for this reason Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium has also been given a de-merit point, this de-merit point will remain active for five years. If a venue is awarded five demerit points at a time, then hosting a match is banned for one year.
