The demerit point awarded to the Rawalpindi ground used in England’s thrilling First Test victory over Pakistan in December has been waived.
The Pakistan Cricket Board successfully appealed, in part because of the game’s memorable ending.
England was able to force a Victory of 74 points in the last moments of the last day.
After reviewing the test footage, the ICC said: “There were several redeeming features – including the fact that a result was achieved following a convincing match, with 37 wickets out of a possible 39.
“As such, the appeal panel concluded that the wicket did not justify the ‘below average’ rating.”
The pitches of each international match are rated, with negative ratings resulting in demerit points, the accumulation of which could lead to suspension of staging rights.
If a venue receives five demerit points over a five-year period, it will be suspended from hosting international cricket for 12 months.
The six ratings that can be given to a pitch or outfield are very good, good, average, below average, poor, and unfit.
The Rawalpindi ground had already scored below average for the Test draw between Pakistan and Australia in March last year.
England’s victory, which put them on the path to a complete 3-0 series sweep, included 1,768 runs scored, the most in history for a Test played over a maximum of five days.
