The second day of the solitary Test match between Afghanistan and New Zealand at Shaheed Vijay Singh Pathik Stadium in Greater Noida was called off without a ball being bowled, marking another embarrassing chapter for the venue. This follows the abandonment of the first day’s play due to similar circumstances, leaving many questioning the suitability of Greater Noida for international cricket.
Despite expectations for improvement, heavy rain the previous evening left the ground staff struggling to prepare the pitch. The ground, hosting its maiden Test match, faced a particular challenge near the mid-wicket area, prompting the staff to replace damaged grass with fresh slabs. While the sun shone brightly throughout the day, parts of the outfield remained soaked, forcing ground staff to use fans to dry the affected area. Despite these efforts, match referee Javagal Srinath ultimately called off the day’s play at 3 pm, with some New Zealand players already back in the nets.
The decision to hold the match at the Greater Noida Stadium has been met with criticism. The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) defended its choice, citing logistical advantages, as Greater Noida is closer to Delhi and boasts better connectivity from Kabul. Naz, the ACB’s international cricket manager, highlighted the venue’s history of hosting international matches since 2016, including games against Zimbabwe and Ireland.
He emphasized a thorough recce process conducted four to six months prior to finalizing the fixture, adhering to international standards. However, the recent persistent rains have significantly impacted the venue’s condition, rendering it unplayable despite the ACB’s efforts to shift the game to nearby venues.
While the Greater Noida venue boasts a history of hosting 11 white-ball international fixtures, its lack of infrastructure and manpower became evident during the Test match. The stadium, managed by the Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority rather than a state cricket association, suffers from limited resources, further hindering its ability to recover from the recent downpours.
Despite the setbacks, ACB officials remain hopeful of resuming the game on Wednesday. However, with a persistent rain forecast, the ground staff faces a daunting task in preparing the pitch. The ongoing situation highlights the challenges faced by venues in hosting international cricket matches, particularly under adverse weather conditions, and raises questions about the suitability of venues with limited resources.
