In a major setback, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is now on the verge of losing an international stadium.

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.