ICC Pitch Ratings: All You Need to Know

The pitch conditions frequently determine the outcome of a cricket match. The pitch, particularly in Test matches, requires various skill sets on each day, which has a significant effect in the game’s outcome.

While the host cricket board has the final say on pitch development, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has developed a pitch and outfield monitoring process.

The Laws of Cricket specify that if the pitch is deemed harmful to the players, the umpires have the authority to call the game off. The ICC, on the other hand, has created a more precise method by assigning a rating to each pitch based on predefined factors.

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What are the ICC pitch ratings?

The ICC pitch ratings system is designed to provide feedback to the host member board on the pitch and other playing areas of an international match venue. It assists the board in preparing the pitch and outfield for future games at the location.

Furthermore, the home board must explain to the ICC why the pitch and outfield were not marked to the required standard. The ICC has the authority to punish a venue that produces an unsuitable pitch for international cricket.

There are six grades for pitches and outfields: very good, good, average, below average, poor and unfit. The ICC pitch ratings are only valid for international matches and do not apply to franchise or domestic cricket.

A very good pitch, according to the International Cricket Council, has “good carry, limited seam movement, and consistent good bounce early in the match and as the pitch wears as the match progresses, with an acceptable amount of turn on the first two days but natural wear sufficient to be responsive to spin later in the game.”

A pitch, on the other hand, is judged poor if:

• At any point throughout the game, the pitch has major seam movement.
• The pitch has a lot of inconsistent bounce.
• The pitch is quite helpful to spinners, especially early on.
• At any stage of the game, the pitch denies bowlers any seam movement or spin, resulting in a one-sided duel in favor of the batsmen.

Meanwhile, below-average pitches yield one demerit point, while poor pitches receive two. An unfit pitch receives a maximum of five demerit points.

The demerit points are valid for five years, after which a ground with five or more demerit points is suspended for a year.

Also Read: Explained: What are the different types of Fielding Positions in Cricket? (cricfiles.com)