BCB appeals to ICC for below average Mirpur pitch rating

The BCB has appealed to the International Cricket Council against the one demerit point imposed on the Mirpur Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka for a “below average” pitch. World cricket’s governing body had slammed Bangladesh’s home of cricket with one demerit point for having below-par pitch during the second and final Test match between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka early this month. The game had lasted only around two and a half days and was under control of the spinners from day one, making the game very difficult for the batsmen. Sri Lanka had won the match by 215 runs to clinch the series 1-0 following disastrous batting display from the home side’s batsmen. ICC match referee in the game, David Boon in his report had rated the pitch below average according to the ICC’s pitch and outfield monitoring process, citing uneven bounce throughout the match, as well as inconsistent turn.

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Also read: Mirpur pitch rated below average by ICC

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Boon, whose report was forwarded to the BCB, said: “From day one, there was evidence of the ball breaking the pitch surface, which resulted in uneven bounce throughout the match, along with inconsistent turn, which was even excessive at times. This pitch produced a contest that was too heavily skewed in favour of the bowlers, and didn’t give the batsmen a fair chance to display their skill.” The demerit point will remain active for a rolling five-year period and if during this five-year period the MSBNCS reaches the threshold of five demerit points, then it will be suspended from staging any international cricket for 12 months. According to an ICC media release circulated Wednesday, the BCB appeal will be heard by March 14 as per the period stipulated in the pitch monitoring process and will be determined by Geoff Allardice, general manager – cricket, and Anil Kumble, chair of the cricket committee. The appeal will be determined taking into consideration the match referee’s report, report from the home board, videos of the match and the grounds for appeal as submitted by the BCB Wednesday.