2024-09-13 03:03:25
The one-off Test between Afghanistan and New Zealand was scheduled to start from Monday (September 09) at the neutral venue Greater Noida Sports Complex Stadium. This is a historic Test for Afghanistan. Because, this is the first time they got a chance to play against a big team like New Zealand. The Afghans were very excited about this test.
But the torrential rains are dampening their interest and enthusiasm. Due to the rain yesterday, it was not possible to make a toss on the playing field. The rain was expected to subside on the second day today, Tuesday, but the game could not be started until 3 pm. That’s why the Afghanistan players did not come to the field till the afternoon of the second day today. New Zealand players did not come.
The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) is unhappy with the matter. Although they did not directly say anything to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), it is understood that they are upset.
India allowed Afghanistan to use the Greater Noida Sports Complex Stadium, Lucknow and Dehradun as neutral venues. Afghanistan knew that it would rain in Greater Noida at this time. So they wanted to play in Lucknow or Dehradun. But India did not allow it to be used because of domestic cricket.
Meanwhile, Noida’s status as a test venue is going up. On the first day, the game could not be played due to rain. Even though the field was dry, there was water in the cover point and mid-wicket area.
Today, because of that, the ground staff brought soil and grass from the practice pitch and tried to fix the waterlogging area in the mid-wicket area. However, it was not noticed by the umpires.
Not only that, the areas of the field where water has accumulated and are still wet are also seen trying to dry them with air from an electric fan.
First, Noida’s press box was made with mats and chairs under the tent. There was no internet or electrical connection. However, the press box was removed after journalists complained.
The situation in Noida has also been referred to by the Indian media. Especially Times of India. Afghanistan’s cricket officials, however, do not dare to criticize for fear of deteriorating relations with the BCCI. But they told the Indian media, ‘The situation here is very bad. We are not coming here anymore.’
Afghanistan has hosted several T20 and ODI matches at this venue since 2017. This is the first time the test is being organized. The experience is bad.