PAK vs ENG: ICC rates Multan, Rawalpindi pitches after England's Test series defeat to Pakistan

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has rated the surfaces prepared for Pakistan's recent three-Test series against England as "satisfactory," confirming the pitches used in all three matches met international standards. The series, which Pakistan won 2-1, drew significant attention for the contrasting nature of the pitches, particularly following the flat surface used in the opening Test in Rawalpindi.

In the first Test, the pitch played exceptionally flat, with Pakistan posting a mammoth 556 runs. England responded with a staggering 827 for 7 declared, setting a new record for the highest total ever in Pakistan and the fourth highest in Test cricket history. Despite this, a dramatic third-innings collapse by Pakistan led to an unlikely defeat, with the match ending early on the fourth day.

In response to the heavy criticism of the first Test's pitch, Pakistan's new selection committee, including former cricketers Aleem Dar and Aqib Javed, radically overhauled their pitch preparation strategy for the remaining Tests. For the second Test in Multan, the pitch was re-used but subjected to aggressive drying techniques, using giant fans to create a surface conducive to spin. Similarly, for the third Test in Rawalpindi, traditionally a flat track, large fans and wedding-style heaters with windbreaks were employed to break up the surface, making it more suitable for spin bowling.

The changes proved successful, with both surfaces offering plenty of assistance to spinners, who dominated in the latter half of the series. All 40 of England's wickets in the last two Tests fell to spin. Pakistan won the second Test early on the fourth day, while the third Test in Rawalpindi ended before lunch on day three, with England succumbing to a heavy defeat.

Despite the drastic shift in pitch conditions, there was little public complaint from the England team. Pakistan maintained that they were within their rights to prepare pitches that offered home advantage after the disappointing result in the first Test. The ICC, after evaluating the pitches, rated each of them as "satisfactory," the lowest rating that doesn't result in a censure.

The ICC uses a four-tier rating system for pitches: very good, satisfactory, unsatisfactory, and unfit. A demerit point is awarded for an unsatisfactory rating, and three points for an unfit rating. A venue that accumulates five or more demerit points over a rolling five-year period is banned from hosting international cricket for 12 months.

This marks the third consecutive Test match in Rawalpindi where the pitch has faced scrutiny. In March 2022, the surface was rated "below average" and was docked a demerit point, while another demerit point was issued later that year following the Test against England, though it was later rescinded after an appeal.