The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has issued an official statement addressing concerns about the facilities at Greater Noida Sports Complex ground, where the one-off Test match between Afghanistan and New Zealand has faced delays due to poor weather and inadequate ground conditions. The first three days of the Test were lost to persistent rain, which led to growing frustration and criticism, including remarks from an unnamed ACB official who expressed dissatisfaction with the venue.
The anonymous official took a jab at the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), criticizing the low-quality stadium provided for Afghanistan’s match, even suggesting they wouldn’t return to the venue due to the poor facilities. However, recognizing the need to maintain good relations with the BCCI, which has historically supported Afghanistan cricket, the ACB has since sought to clarify the situation.
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ACB’s international cricket manager, Menhajuddin Naz, spoke to the media after Day 2 and emphasized that Afghanistan themselves had chosen the Greater Noida ground from three options provided by the BCCI. He stated that the ACB selected this venue over Kanpur and Bengaluru due to logistical reasons, particularly its proximity to Delhi and better connectivity from Kabul.
An ACB official said, “the BCCI offered us Kanpur, Bengaluru and Noida. We chose Noida because it’s closer to Delhi and connectivity from Kabul is better”. (Sportstar). pic.twitter.com/ZgHICeefo7
— Vishal Rajsthani (@vishalgurjar100) September 11, 2024
Naz further acknowledged that the ground staff had been working tirelessly to prepare the field, but the persistent wet patches were hard to manage with limited resources. Despite efforts using electric fans and refilling wet areas with dry soil, the umpires remained unconvinced about the ground’s playability.
On Day 3, overcast conditions persisted, and the entire day’s play was called off before the start. With just two days left, the match seems likely to end in a draw, marking a disappointing start for Greater Noida as a Test venue.
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While the ACB has voiced its concerns, New Zealand’s management has refrained from public comment. The match was part of New Zealand’s preparation for their upcoming Test series in Sri Lanka and India. Although it holds no significance in the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 cycle, the disruption has affected both teams’ schedules.
