ICC rates Multan, Rawalpindi pitches following England’s Test defeat in Pakistan

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has rated the pitches prepared for Pakistan’s recent three-Test series against England as “satisfactory,” meeting international standards despite the drastic variations in pitch conditions across the series.

Pakistan won the series 2-1, with the contrasting surfaces in Multan and Rawalpindi drawing particular attention after an unusually flat pitch in the first Test.

The opening Test in Rawalpindi saw record-breaking scores, with Pakistan posting 556 runs before England replied with an imposing 827 for 7 declared, the highest total ever recorded in Pakistan. 

Despite these high scores, Pakistan suffered an unexpected collapse in the third innings, leading to an early finish on day four.

Following criticism of the flat surface, Pakistan’s selection committee, led by former cricketers Aleem Dar and Aqib Javed, adjusted their pitch preparation strategy. 

In Multan, the pitch was treated with drying techniques using giant fans, while the traditionally flat Rawalpindi pitch was altered using fans and heaters to encourage spin. 

These changes proved effective, with spin bowlers dominating the final two Tests.

In both Multan and Rawalpindi, spin-friendly conditions saw England lose all 40 of their wickets to spin across the final two matches. Pakistan claimed a decisive win in the second Test and a commanding victory in the third, ending the series on a strong note.

Despite the significant shift in pitch conditions, England’s team offered minimal public criticism. Pakistan defended the alterations as their right to create a home advantage. 

The ICC’s evaluation concluded that the pitches met the satisfactory standard, the lowest level that avoids disciplinary action.

The ICC’s pitch rating system includes four categories: very good, satisfactory, unsatisfactory, and unfit. Venues rated “unsatisfactory” receive one demerit point, while “unfit” pitches earn three points. 

Accumulating five points over five years results in a one-year ban from hosting international cricket. Rawalpindi, which has faced prior scrutiny, previously received a demerit point in March 2022.