The ICC have opted not to sanction any of the surfaces used in the recently concluded Test series between England and Pakistan, rating all three pitches as "satisfactory".
Pakistan won the series 2-1, but there was significant debate over the surface used in Multan, where the first two Tests were held, and the one used in Rawalpindi, where the final match was held. The pitch for the first Test appeared to be extremely flat, with Pakistan posting 556 batting first before England racked up a record 823-7 declared, the highest total ever made in a Test in Pakistan. Harry Brook scored a triple century, while Joe Root scored a career-best 262. Pakistan collapsed in the final innings to give England victory.
After the run-fest, in a highly unusual move the PCB selection committee opted to re-use the surface for the second Test, radically changing their team to include the spin duo of Sajid Khan and Noman Ali. During that Test, England were bowled out for 291 after Pakistan posted 366, with England collapsing to Sajid and Noman in their second innings. The spin pair took all 20 England wickets in the game, and repeated the feat in the final Test.
When the series moved over to Rawalpindi for the decider, the organisers used large fans to dry out the surface before the Test began, as well as heaters to extract moisture out of the surface. Pakistan didn't use a single over of pace in the match, and won the game before lunch on day three.
The controversy over the surfaces arose from the extent to which home sides should be allowed to alter pitches in their favour. The ICC, however, have accepted Pakistan's pitch provision and preparation for the matches, by giving them the lowest possible rating that does not involve sanction. All three surfaces have been rated as 'satisfactory', with ratings given on a scale of 'very good' to 'unsatisfactory' and 'unfit'. One demerit point is issued for an 'unsatisfactory' surface, with three points given if a surface is 'unfit'.
The Rawalpindi pitch used for England's last visit to Pakistan in 2022 was given a 'below average' rating on the system used at the time, although the penalty was later rescinded on appeal. That was the second consecutive series in the country where Rawalpindi was sanctioned, having been given the same rating earlier that year.
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