The fifth and final match of the series between Sri Lanka and India in December was called off after 23.3 overs due to a dangerous pitch, upon which the tourists had struggled to 83 for five.
Following an investigation by chief referee Ranjan Madugalle and cricket operations manager Dave Richardson, the ICC ruled last month that no international cricket could be played at the stadium until the end of 2010.
Independent appeals commissioner Michael Beloff decided the imposed suspension was proportionate in this case, the ICC said in a statement.
“In his judgment Mr Beloff states that following due consideration of all the evidence and submissions from both the ICC and BCCI, the correct decision was taken by Mr Richardson and Mr Madugalle to declare the pitch to be dangerous and, therefore, unfit,” the statement said.
ICC chief executive Haroon Lorgat said the focus would now be on getting the stadium ready for the World Cup which India is jointly hosting with Sri Lanka and Bangladesh from Feb. 19 to April 2, next year.
The New Delhi stadium is scheduled to stage four matches.
“The ICC’s pitch consultant will travel shortly to Feroz Shah Kotla, a ground with a long and proud history, to begin the process of remedial work that will ensure the pitch is restored to its former glory,” Lorgat said in a statement.
