ICC Rates Pitches for Pakistan-England Test Series as 'Satisfactory'

The pitches prepared by Pakistan for the recent three-Test series against England were deemed "satisfactory" by the ICC. The series, which ended with Pakistan winning 2-1, drew significant attention for the nature of the pitches. The first Test in Rawalpindi featured an unusually flat surface, allowing Pakistan to score 556 before England declared at a record 827 for 7, marking the highest total in Pakistan and the fourth-highest in Test history. A dramatic third-innings collapse by Pakistan led to an unexpected result.

In response to the innings defeat, Pakistan's new selection committee, including Aleem Dar and Aqib Javed, opted to reuse the same pitch for the second Test in Multan but employed giant fans to dry it. For the third Test in Rawalpindi, known for minimal spin, they used large fans and heaters to alter the surface. Both pitches favored spinners with sharp turns and uneven bounce, causing all 40 of England's wickets in the latter two Tests to fall to spin. Pakistan clinched victory in the second Test by the fourth day morning, and the third Test concluded before lunch on day three.