In a major embarrassment for the Board of Control for Cricket in India, the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Friday censured the BCCI for preparing a pitch of poor quality for the third Test between India and South Africa in Kanpur last month.

The ICC also recommended that the BCCI take remedial action to ensure a similar pitch is never prepared in future at that venue. To that end, the BCCI’s pitch consultant Daljit Singh has been asked to assist the process.

The BCCI, on its part, accepted the warning and has promised to undertake necessary action.

“I thank the ICC for its input and decision in relation to this and I can assure everyone that we will take all steps necessary to ensure this does not happen in the future,” said BCCI secretary Niranjan Shah.

The pitch, on which India won the final Test to level the series 1-1 against South Africa, saw 32 wickets fall in three days. It came in for sharp criticism from the visitors, with Protean coach Micky Arthur saying the track was one of the most under-prepared in the world.

Match referee Roshan Mahanama submitted a report to the ICC expressing his concern over the quality of the playing surface.

“My considered view is that the pitch was poor as it was too dry and had considerable turn and variable bounce from the first day... The pitch was not up to Test match standards,” Mahanama said in his report.

The report said there were ‘several disappointing aspects of the pitch’s performances including dryness, uneven bounce and signs of breaking up, even before lunch on the first day.’ Mahanama also noted that the inconsistency of bounce became steadily worse as the game progressed.

Under clause 3.3 of the regulations governing the Pitch and Outfield Monitoring Process, the ICC asked the BCCI for a written report on the condition of the surface, including any extenuating circumstances which may have existed. In accordance with clause 3.4 of the regulation, the BCCI provided a detailed reply.

ICC General Manager (Cricket) David Richardson and chief match referee Ranjan Madugalle then considered all the evidence, including video footage of the match, before passing their judgment.

“We have come to a decision that the pitch prepared for the match should be rated as ‘poor’,” Richardson said.

“We have taken into consideration the explanations offered by the BCCI as to the reasons for the dryness of the pitch and we have noted that there is no previous record of a sub-standard pitch being prepared in Kanpur.

“However, taking all the evidence into account and, in accordance with clause 4.2 of the regulation, we have decided to impose an official warning as the sanction.”