The International Cricket Council (ICC) follows a well-defined process to rate pitches and outfields in international cricket matches.
These ratings provide feedback to host member boards, helping them improve pitch and outfield preparations for future events. The goal is to maintain high standards and ensure fair play during matches.
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The ICC Pitch and Outfield Monitoring Process
After each international match, the ICC Match Referee on duty assesses the pitch and outfield. The ratings are provided as feedback to the host member board, allowing them to make improvements for future events. This system ensures consistency and helps maintain the quality of playing conditions.
Pitch Rating Categories
The ICC classifies pitches and outfields into the following categories:
7. Very Good
6. Good
5. Satisfactory
4. Average
3. Below Average
2. Unsatisfactory
1. Unfit
If a pitch is rated unsatisfactory or unfit, it indicates that the surface did not allow for a fair contest between bat and ball. An uneven balance between batting and bowling, favoring one excessively, can lead to these poor ratings.
Penalties for Poor Ratings
Venues receiving poor ratings are subject to penalties in the form of demerit points. The allocation is as follows:
- 1 demerit point for an “unsatisfactory” rating
- 3 demerit points for an “unfit” rating
These demerit points are active for a rolling five-year period. If a venue accumulates demerit points, the following penalties apply:
- 6 demerit points: Suspension from hosting international cricket for 12 months
- 12 demerit points: Suspension from hosting international cricket for 24 months
Recent Examples of Poor Pitch Ratings
Several venues have faced issues with their pitches, leading to negative ratings:
- 2024 T20 World Cup:
- Two pitches in New York, USA (Sri Lanka vs. South Africa and India vs. Ireland matches) were rated as “unsatisfactory.”
- During the Afghanistan vs. South Africa semi-final, another “unsatisfactory” pitch was in Trinidad and Tobago, West Indies.
- Two pitches in New York, USA (Sri Lanka vs. South Africa and India vs. Ireland matches) were rated as “unsatisfactory.”
- 2023 India vs. South Africa Test Series:
- The pitch at Newlands, South Africa, received an “unsatisfactory” rating due to excessive and unpredictable bounce.
By keeping a transparent pitch rating system and imposing penalties for substandard surfaces, the ICC ensures that international cricket matches are played on pitches that offer a fair contest between bat and ball. This promotes consistent and competitive gameplay across various cricketing venues worldwide.
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