Pakistan's Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium is now in danger of being suspended from hosting international matches after it was given two demerit points for the pitch dished out during the Pakistan vs England first Test match. ICC rated the pitch as 'below average. This was the second consecutive time the venue's pitch came under the scanner. The previous 'below-average' rating came during the Test match against Australia which ended in a draw in March this year. Further demerit points could spell doom for the venue.




"...the venue has now received two demerit points from consecutive Tests under the ICC Pitch and Outfield Monitoring Process and could be in danger of being suspended from hosting any international cricket if more demerit points are lost. Demerit points remain active for a rolling five-year period and when a venue accumulates five demerit points it is suspended from staging any international cricket for a period of 12 months," ICC said in a release.


England won the first Test by 74 runs in a dramatic fashion but it was due to their bold and courageous display in all departments. Many, including PCB chairman Ramiz Raja, believed the pitch was conducive to producing a result.


Match referee Andy Pycroft released his findings on Tuesday. “It was a very flat pitch which gave almost no assistance to any type of bowler," Pycroft said. "That was the main reason why batters scored very fast and both sides posted huge totals.