Multan and Rawalpindi Pitches Rated 'Satisfactory' After Pakistan-England Test Series
England did not publicly object to the conditions, and Pakistan defended their pitch strategy as a way to regain home advantage after the flat surface in the first Test. The ICC appears to have accepted this approach, awarding the pitches the "satisfactory" rating, which is the lowest score that does not lead to censure.
The pitches used during the three-Test series between Pakistan and England have been rated as "satisfactory" by the International Cricket Council (ICC). The series, which Pakistan won 2-1, attracted significant attention due to the nature of the surfaces prepared for the matches.
In the first Test, the pitch was notably flat, resulting in high scores. Pakistan posted 556, but England responded with a massive 827/7 declared, the highest total ever in Pakistan and the fourth-highest in Test cricket history. However, a dramatic collapse by Pakistan in their third innings led to a result that had seemed improbable, with England securing a comfortable win by an innings.
After this defeat, Pakistan made substantial changes to their pitch-preparation methods. A new selection committee, including Aleem Dar and Aqib Javed, opted to reuse the same surface for the second Test in Multan, employing large fans to dry the pitch. For the third Test in Rawalpindi, a venue known for its lack of spin, the pitch was further prepared with fans and wedding-style heaters to create more challenging conditions.
The revised pitches gave spinners significant help, with early sharp turn and inconsistent bounce. As a result, all 40 of England's wickets in the last two Tests were claimed by spin bowlers. Pakistan won the second Test on the morning of day four, and the final Test in Rawalpindi ended before lunch on day three, highlighting the spin-friendly nature of the surfaces.
Despite the challenges, England did not publicly object to the conditions, and Pakistan defended their pitch strategy as a way to regain home advantage after the flat surface in the first Test. The ICC appears to have accepted this approach, awarding the pitches the "satisfactory" rating, which is the lowest score that does not lead to censure.
The ICC rates pitches and outfields on a scale from "very good" to "unfit," with ratings like "unsatisfactory" resulting in demerit points. A venue receiving five or more demerit points in a five-year period faces suspension from hosting international cricket. This was the third consecutive Test in Rawalpindi to face scrutiny over its pitch. In March 2022, the venue's pitch was rated "below average," and another demerit point was awarded for a subsequent Test that year, although this point was later rescinded on appeal.
