It was confirmed by the International Cricket Council (ICC) as Pakistan prepare to host the upcoming Asia Cup.

The development was made after the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium received a second demerit point for a below average pitch used during the first Test between Pakistan and England.

This was the second consecutive time the venue’s pitch came under the scanner. The previous ‘below-average’ rating came during the Test match against Australia which ended in a draw in March this year.

If the venue received another demerit point, it will be suspended for hosting any international cricket. “Demerit points remain active for a rolling five-year period and when a venue accumulates five demerit points it is suspended from staging any international cricket for a period of 12 months,” ICC said in a release.

Ben Stokes’ England beat the hosts by 74 runs. Over 1,700 runs were scored in the five-day game, while seven batters also scored centuries – four from England and three from Pakistan.