Gaddafi Stadium. (Photo by Sameer Ali/Getty Images)

The ICC has removed the demerit point given to Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium pitch after the third ODI between Pakistan and Australia in June.The decision comes after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Cricket Canada appealed against demerit points awarded for matches played that month.

ICC reviews pitch decision

The ICC Appeals Panel reviewed video footage, match referee reports and comments from the captains before overturning the original decision.“The demerit point imposed on Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, following an ‘Unsatisfactory’ rating for the third Men’s ODI between Pakistan and Australia on 4 June, has been rescinded. The panel noted that while the guidelines of the ICC Pitch and Outfield Monitoring Process were followed by the Match Referee, ‘the pitch did not demonstrate excessive unevenness or spin’,” said ICC in a statement.The panel said the pitch used on June 8 was in line with the standard expected from a satisfactory surface.It also found that the wicket “did not demonstrate excessive unevenness, seam movement or spin”, leading to the demerit point being withdrawn.Pakistan had won the three-match ODI series against Australia 2-1. Despite the pitch controversy, spin played a major role throughout the series, with spinners from both teams making an impact in all three matches.