Multan and Rawalpindi pitches get 'satisfactory' rating

Pakistan recently achieved a historic Test series victory over England. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has expressed satisfaction with the pitches prepared by Pakistan for the three-match series, rating the spin-friendly surfaces in Rawalpindi and Multan as "satisfactory."

In the first Test in Multan, the batting-friendly pitch allowed England to score 827 runs in one innings, while Pakistan scored 556 but still lost by an innings. After that match, Pakistan intensified its focus on pitch preparation to create conditions favorable for spin bowling in the remaining Tests.

Following the advice of Pakistan’s new selection committee members Aleem Dar and Aaqib Javed, the batting-friendly pitch in Multan was transformed into a spinning track for the second Test. Large fans and heaters were used to help dry the pitch and alter the conditions.

A similar approach was taken for the third Test in Rawalpindi, where spinners received additional support. Across these two Tests, all 40 English wickets fell to spinners. Pakistan’s Sajid Khan and Nauman Ali claimed 39 of these wickets between them.

The ICC has set a range of standards for pitch and outfield ratings, including categories such as "very good," "satisfactory," "unsatisfactory," and "unfit." An "unsatisfactory" rating results in one demerit point, while an "unfit" rating leads to three demerit points.