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MCC digs up Lord's Pitch 9 after ICC demerit point for 'unsatisfactory' rating

Lord’s Cricket Ground has begun a major overhaul of Pitch 9 after the International Cricket Council (ICC) issued its first-ever demerit point to the venue, citing an 'unsatisfactory' surface during the England vs New Zealand Test in June 2026. The pitch will remain out of use for two to three seasons, prompting the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) to launch a seven-point action plan aimed at modernizing the ground’s pitch preparation.

As part of the initiative, MCC will install a third hybrid pitch—comprising 95% natural turf and 5% synthetic fiber—by spring 2027, alongside new drop-in trays to ease pressure on the remaining surfaces. The reconstruction marks the most significant review of Lord’s square in decades, though the ICC’s concerns were limited to Pitch 9, as other matches at the venue, including England’s women’s Test against India and men’s Test against Pakistan, received 'satisfactory' ratings.

The changes come amid scheduling challenges, including the loss of the World Test Championship final to The Oval, and will impact Lord’s upcoming fixtures, such as the planned men’s Tests against Bangladesh and Australia in summer 2027.

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