ICC flags Gaddafi Stadium pitch after Pakistan-Australia ODI

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has rated the pitch at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium as “unsatisfactory” following the third One-Day International between Pakistan and Australia, citing conditions that heavily favored bowlers and made run-scoring unusually difficult.

According to an ICC statement released on Tuesday, match referee Graeme La Brooy concluded that the surface was too slow and low for an ODI contest. 

He noted that batters struggled to settle at the crease, while spin bowlers received significant assistance from the early stages of the match and throughout the game.

The third ODI, played in Lahore, saw Australia bowled out for just 157 runs before Pakistan chased down the target to secure a four-wicket victory and clinch the three-match series 2-1. However, the low-scoring nature of the contest raised concerns about the quality and balance of the playing surface.

As a result, Gaddafi Stadium has been handed one demerit point under the ICC Pitch and Outfield Monitoring Process. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has been notified of the sanction and has 14 days to appeal the decision.

The ICC also rated the pitch at Lord’s Cricket Ground in London as “unsatisfactory” following the first Test between England and New Zealand. Match referee Andy Pycroft cited excessive seam movement, inconsistent bounce, and an imbalance between bat and ball. Lord’s also received one demerit point.

The Pakistan-Australia ODI series was played on predominantly spin-friendly surfaces in Rawalpindi and Lahore, drawing criticism from some former players and analysts who argued the pitches were tailored to suit the home side. 

Pakistan’s captain Shaheen Shah Afridi defended the approach, saying home teams are entitled to prepare conditions that maximize their chances of winning, just as other nations do when hosting international series.