Explained: How does ICC give pitch and outfield rating?

Overview

Cricket enthusiasts often get confused about how the ICC (International Cricket Council) rates different pitches. To explain in simple terms, the ICC analyses pitch and outfield conditions after every Test, ODI, and T20I, with match referees considering factors like bounce, consistency, and maintenance, and rating them from “very good” to “unfit.”

Now, someone might ask how these ratings matter. To put things simple, these ratings are given to ensure fair play and safety, influencing venue standards and facilitating betterment for international matches down the line.

Cricket is one of the few sports where the pitch plays a very crucial role in influencing the game. For instance, a seam-friendly pitch could hand an advantage to teams that have better fast bowlers in the side. On the other hand, teams that have better spinners in their ranks would love to play on dry surfaces.

The ICC evaluates the conditions of pitches after every Test, ODI, and T20I clash. An ICC Match Referee assesses the pitch and outfield, assigning ratings such as very good, good, average, below average, poor, or unfit. This judgment helps host boards work in tandem with pitch curators in ensuring apt playing surfaces and ground conditions for future encounters.

It is important to note that when a pitch or outfield is rated below average or worse, the venue may incur demerit points, which could be a precursor to sanctions if levels don't get better.

Understanding Pitch and Outfield Ratings in Cricket

In cricket, the Pitch and Outfield Ratings system is a very critical framework devised by the ICC to evaluate the quality of playing surfaces during international games. This system primarily has two uses: to keep up standards and to hold host boards accountable for the conditions they prepare. There is a lot of clarity given by the ICC to its member boards so that they can understand and work on the areas that need improvement.

Pitch Ratings

As of November 2023, the ICC has simplified its pitch rating system, which now consists of four primary ratings:

• Very Good: Indicates a pitch with good carry, limited seam movement, and consistent bounce, allowing for a balanced contest between batters and bowlers.
• Satisfactory: A combination of what was previously categorized as “good” and “average,” suggesting an acceptable playing surface.
• Unsatisfactory: This rating is given when the pitch fails to provide a fair contest between bat and ball, often leading to excessive assistance for one side.
• Unfit: The lowest rating, indicating severe issues that make the pitch dangerous or unsuitable for play.

Demerit Points System Explained

The ICC also issues a demerit points system associated with these ratings:

• Unsatisfactory Pitch: If a pitch is deemed unsatisfactory, the venue will be handed one demerit point.
• Unfit Pitch: On the other hand, if a pitch is rated unfit, the venue will be slapped with three demerit points.

These points will keep adding up over a five-year period; if a venue reaches five points within this time frame, it will receive a suspension and will not be able to host an international fixture for one year.

Outfield Ratings

The outfield ratings have been divided into three distinct categories

• Satisfactory
• Unsatisfactory
• Unfit

Outfield ratings are pretty much akin to pitch ratings; this categorization helps judge the quality of the outfield and make sure that it falls in line with international standards. These ratings allow host boards to understand the quality of the conditions they are providing. They can make necessary adjustments if they do not get a rating which is up to the mark. Most importantly, the results are conveyed to the stakeholders to encourage transparency in cricket governance.

Pitch Ratings Criteria

Very Good

• Good carry and consistent bounce are witnessed;
• There is a moderate amount of seam movement in the early goings of the match;
• Justifiable amount of spin for tweakers, with natural wear producing turn in the latter half of the game.

Satisfactory

• Usually meets the expectations for a competitive game;
• There could be some irregularity and unpredictability, but it does not remarkably favour either batters or bowlers.

Unsatisfactory

• Exhibits massive seam movement or uneven bounce at any stage;
• Favours either batters or bowlers considerably and destroys the balance between bat and ball;
• May show noticeable signs of deterioration that influence the match in a way it should not.

Unfit

• Deemed dangerous or unsuitable for play;
• May include extreme conditions like too many cracks, moisture, or other factors that compromise player safety.

Outfield Ratings Criteria

Satisfactory

• Gives a safe and playable surface where fielding and running aren't risky;
• Generally well-maintained with very little or no hazards.

Unsatisfactory

• Abysmal maintenance levels, such as uneven surfaces or too much grass growth that can hinder play.

Unfit

• Threatening conditions which can be a cause of injury to a player or can significantly affect the game;
• Problems like waterlogging or hard, uneven patches fall under this section.

This rating system can be described as ICC's vision to ensure fair play and accountability among member boards regarding pitch and outfield conditions during international fixtures.