ICC Rates Eden Gardens Pitch for IND vs SA Kolkata Test as ‘Satisfactory’, No Fine Imposed

ICC Rates Eden Gardens Pitch as ‘Satisfactory’ After Three-Day Test

In a recent update, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has rated the Eden Gardens pitch used for the first Test between India and South Africa in November 2025 as “satisfactory.” The rating was given by Match Referee Richie Richardson and means that the iconic Kolkata venue will not face any demerit points or financial penalties.

The match, which ended within three days, had drawn sharp criticism due to the pitch’s uneven bounce and excessive assistance to bowlers. However, the ICC’s decision ensures that Eden Gardens escapes any formal sanctions.

Debate Over the Kolkata Pitch

The IND vs SA Kolkata Test became a major talking point after South Africa defeated India by 30 runs to take a 1-0 lead in the series. The contest ended far quicker than expected, sparking discussions among former players and coaches over pitch quality and preparation.

India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir later defended the curator Sujan Mukherjee, stating that the pitch had been prepared as per team requirements. But before the second Test in Guwahati, batting coach Sitanshu Kotak contradicted this claim, saying Gambhir’s remarks were intended to shield the curator amid growing criticism.

How the Pitch Played During the Match

The Eden Gardens surface exhibited unpredictable bounce from the very first over, complicating batting conditions for both sides. As the game went on, spinners began to extract sharp turn, adding another hurdle for batters.

• Fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah claimed five wickets on Day 1, keeping India in the contest early.
  
  

• However, South Africa’s Marco Jansen and Simon Harmer turned the tide, exploiting the conditions masterfully to secure victory.
  
  

The result underscored how challenging the wicket had been—no team managed to cross 200 runs in any innings. Chasing a modest target of 124, India collapsed to just 93, highlighting the demanding nature of the pitch.

ICC Pitch Rating System Explained

Under ICC’s pitch rating system, match venues are graded as Very Good, Satisfactory, Unsatisfactory, or Unfit.

• A rating below “satisfactory” can attract demerit points.
  
  

• Six points within five years may lead to a 12-month suspension for international matches.
  
  

In contrast, the Eden Gardens rating spares Kolkata from any penalty, reflecting that although conditions were tough, they were still deemed fair for play.

Interestingly, the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) pitch recently received an ‘unsatisfactory’ rating after a two-day Ashes Test, earning one demerit point.

A Balanced Outcome for Indian Cricket

While the quick finish in Kolkata sparked controversy, the ICC’s “satisfactory” verdict brings relief to the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) and Indian cricket officials. The decision emphasizes that competitive wickets are acceptable—so long as they maintain fairness between bat and ball.

With the South Africa series now concluded 2–0 in the visitors’ favor, India will look to regroup ahead of upcoming home fixtures and refine its approach to pitch preparation in 2026.