The International Cricket Council has given a 'below average' rating to the Rawalpindi pitch, used for the opening Test between Pakistan and England earlier this month.

The Rawalpindi Test was a run-fest for both sides. In fact, the match was heading towards a draw before England made a brave declaration in their second innings at 264/7, setting a target of 343 for the hosts, who were bowled out for 268 minutes before the close of play on Day 5.

Such was the state of the pitch that PCB chief Ramiz Raja had also expressed his disappointment, admitting that it was “not a great advert" for Test cricket.

ICC match referee Andy Pycroft has agreed with Ramiz’s prognosis as he released his findings on Tuesday (December 13), rating the track as 'below average'.

Notably, the Rawalpindi pitch received its second consecutive 'below average' rating, following the same rating that was given to the pitch after Pakistan's Test against Australia in March 2022.

“It was a very flat pitch which gave almost no assistance to any type of bowler," Pycroft said in a statement released by ICC.

"That was the main reason why batters scored very fast and both sides posted huge totals.

"The pitch hardly deteriorated during the course of the match.

“Since there was very little in it for the bowlers, I found the pitch to be 'below average' as per the ICC guidelines."

Given that the venue has now accumulated two demerit points from consecutive Tests, it could be in danger of being suspended from hosting any international cricket if more demerit points are lost.

Demerit points remain active for a rolling five-year period and when a venue collects five demerit points, it is suspended from staging any international cricket for a period of 12 months.

(With ICC inputs)