BCCI's appeal against the ruling to declare a New Delhi ground unplayable has been rejected by an independent appeals commissioner.

ICC general cricket manager David Richardson and chief match referee Ranjan Madugalle declared on December 27 the pitch at Feroz Shah Kotla ground in New Delhi to be unfit and it prompted the decision to abandon the one-day international between India and Sri Lanka.

The BCCI subsequently appealed that decision, but the commissioner, Michael Beloff QC, ruled that it was correct and that the imposed suspension until the end of 2010 was proportionate in this case.

ICC chief executive Haroon Lorgat said: "We must now focus on making sure the New Delhi venue is ready in time for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011.

"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."