The much-anticipated one-off Test match between Afghanistan and New Zealand in Greater Noida, India, is facing significant challenges due to persistent rain and concerns about the condition of the Shaheed Vijay Singh Pathik Stadium.
Afghanistan’s captain, Hashmatullah Shahidi, expressed his disappointment with the venue’s state, highlighting that little has changed since his last visit four years ago. The stadium, which hasn’t hosted a BCCI-affiliated tournament since 2017, continues to struggle with inadequate drainage and a lack of essential facilities.
As rain pounded the ground on the eve of the match, ground staff struggled to prepare the pitch, raising doubts about whether the match could go ahead. Match officials inspected the ground, while players discussed the feasibility of play given the dampness of the wicket.
The Greater Noida stadium was allocated to the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) by the BCCI, but despite being their designated home ground, the stadium has fallen into disrepair. It last hosted an international game in March 2020, and although some local tournaments have taken place since then, the drainage system remains a major issue.
Further compounding the problem, the ACB has encountered difficulties in coordinating with local authorities to ensure adequate facilities for the players and media. The lack of a proper media center and concerns over safety due to strong winds have added to the challenges.
New Zealand captain Tim Southee expressed his team’s readiness to play if deemed safe by the match officials, but acknowledged the uncertainties surrounding the pitch’s condition.
In the wake of these issues, Shahidi and ACB officials have called for a permanent home venue for the Afghan team, citing the need for improved facilities and proper management. The ACB may consider raising this matter with the BCCI in the future.
With the rain continuing to fall and concerns mounting about the ground’s suitability, the future of the Afghanistan-New Zealand Test remains uncertain. The match officials will need to make a decision soon about whether the game can proceed, leaving both teams and fans eagerly awaiting a resolution.
