KATHMANDU: The pitch used for the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup League 2 match between Canada and the Netherlands at Maple Leaf Cricket Club in King City, Toronto, has been rated unfit by the ICC.
The venue received three demerit points under the ICC Pitch and Outfield Monitoring Process.
Maple Leaf Cricket Club now has four demerit points. The venue had already received one demerit point last week after the pitch for the match between the United States of America and the Netherlands was rated unsatisfactory.
Match Referee Phil Thompson submitted the report after receiving concerns from match officials and both captains.
Thompson said the pitch became a major concern from the first over because of variable bounce. He also supported the umpires, captains and coaches, who felt the surface was dangerous and the match should not continue.
The ICC said the match was stopped because of the pitch condition.
The rating is a serious concern for the venue, which is hosting matches in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2. The competition is part of the qualification pathway for the 2027 Cricket World Cup.
