PCB reacts to ICC's verdict on Rawalpindi's pitch

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has responded to International Cricket Council (ICC)'s verdict on Pindi Cricket Stadium's pitch which was used for the first Test between Pakistan and Australia.

ICC Match Referee Ranjan Madugalle declared the pitch below average,  resulting in the venue receiving one demerit point under the ICC Pitch and Outfield Monitoring Process.

PCB has accepted the decision of ICC and has vowed to provide a better playing surface in the future.

The inaugural Test played at Pindi ended in a draw. The five-day play produced over 1100 runs and only 14 wickets fell across five days, which is the worst outcome for the bowlers in decades. 

 “We note and accept the ICC’s decision. This is the first time any Pakistan venue has received a demerit point. The PCB wants to see and prepare pitches that provide even and the exciting contest between the bat and the ball," said a PCB spokesman.

Pakistan is already working on overhauling the pitches in Pakistan. Chairman PCB has also given statements regarding the matter.

 “The PCB remains confident and optimistic that we will not only see good contests in the Karachi and Lahore Tests but in all future domestic, international matches as well," he added.

As per the revised ICC Pitch and Outfield Monitoring Process, one demerit point is given to venues whose pitches are rated below average by the match referee, whereas three and five demerit points will be sanctioned to venues whose pitches are marked as poor and unfit, respectively.

It must be noted that any venue that receives five demerit points within five years will be suspended from hosting international matches for 12 months.

The second Test of the series will start at National Stadium in Karachi from March 12.