According to the ICC, the pitch prepared for the Test match between England and New Zealand at Lord’s exhibited excessive seam movement and inconsistent bounce throughout the contest. Match officials also raised concerns after 33 wickets fell within the first two days of play, suggesting the surface offered an unfair advantage to bowlers.

The pitch used for a One-Day International (ODI) at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore was also found to be below the required international standard. The ICC noted that the surface was unusually slow and low, making stroke play difficult for batters, while spin bowlers received substantial assistance from the outset of the match.

Under ICC pitch and outfield monitoring regulations, an unsatisfactory rating results in one demerit point being added to a venue’s record. These demerit points remain active for a period of five years.

The ICC has given both the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) 14 days to lodge an appeal against the decision.

According to ICC regulations, a venue that accumulates six demerit points within a five-year period can be suspended from hosting international matches for one year. A venue reaching 12 demerit points may face a two-year suspension from international cricket.

The governing body clarified that neither Lord’s nor Gaddafi Stadium had any previous demerit points on record before the latest ruling, meaning both venues currently stand at one demerit point each.