LAHORE, 20 August 2026 (Ghufran): The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Thursday announced its decisions on three pitch ratings following appeals by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Cricket Canada against demerit points imposed for matches held in June. The ICC Appeals Panel reached its decisions after reviewing match footage, Match Referees’ reports and comments from the respective captains. The demerit point imposed on Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium following an “Unsatisfactory” rating for the third Men’s ODI between Pakistan and Australia on June 4 has been rescinded. The panel concluded that although the Match Referee had followed the ICC Pitch and Outfield Monitoring Process guidelines, the pitch did not demonstrate excessive unevenness or spin.

Meanwhile, the Maple Leaf Cricket Ground in King City, Toronto, had received an “Unsatisfactory” rating for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 match between the United States and the Netherlands on June 8.The Appeals Panel determined that the condition of the pitch used on June 8 was consistent with that of a satisfactory pitch and did not demonstrate excessive unevenness, seam movement or spin. The demerit point for that rating was therefore withdrawn.However, the three demerit points imposed for the “Unfit” rating of the pitch used at the same venue on June 16 will remain on record. The panel determined that the condition of the pitch was dangerous and consistent with an “Unfit” rating.Following the decisions, the Maple Leaf Cricket Ground has three demerit points on its record, while Gaddafi Stadium now has no demerit points.