Play on Day 2 of the one-off Test match between Bangladesh and New Zealand was again called off without any action, adding fuel to the controversy surrounding the facilities in Greater Noida.
Play on Day 2 of the one-off Test match between Afghanistan and New Zealand was again called off without any action, adding fuel to the criticism surrounding the facilities in Greater Noida. After the ground crew at the Pathik Sports Complex failed to prepare the field for play, the Greater Noida Authority has faced much criticism. Even though there was no rain on Tuesday, the umpires could not start the play due to damp places on the ground, citing “players safety” as a worry. The Afghanistan Cricket Board was given several options by the BCCI, including Kanpur, Bengaluru, and Greater Noida, even though Afghanistan has played most of its matches in India in Greater Noida.
For practical concerns, the ACB chose Greater Noida instead.
“The BCCI gave us three options: this one, Bengaluru, and Kanpur. Because it was the most suitable location logistically, we decided to play at Greater Noida. Menhajuddin Raz, the international cricket manager for the Afghanistan Board, informed reporters that the trip from the Delhi airport took two hours.
Afghanistan’s home arena has traditionally served as the location. We have been hosting games here since 2016,” Menhaj Raaz, cricket manager for ACB International, stated.
The area has seen nonstop rain for the previous two weeks, which the ACB says has been spoilt.
“The rain is to blame. And yesterday it rained. We had a three-day match against a local team, which went well. We had no problems at all. However, everything changed as the rain started.”
The Afghanistan Cricket Board has previously held eleven international white-ball matches here. Dehradun is the other Indian venue where they have held matches.
We carried out a survey four or six months prior, and the visiting team had also completed theirs. Thus, there was no issue. Raaz stated that although ACB thought about shifting the game to a different location, the rain made it unfeasible.
“We tried working on a solution to shift the game, and they said that because of the same rain, you will not be able to, you know, actually prepare the venue for you in the coming 24 hours.”
Afghanistan has always seen cricket as more than just a sport; it represents the country’s optimism, resiliency, and pride. More attention is paid to the game’s venue than the actual play as they prepare for the pivotal Test series against New Zealand. The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) recently shared the history behind their choice of Greater Noida as the venue, which has generated discussion among cricket enthusiasts worldwide.
Context of Afghanistan’s Test Situation
Afghanistan has had an incredible journey in international cricket. Their ascent has been impressive, from playing their first Test match in 2018 to emerging as a competitive team. Hosting international matches is a noteworthy accomplishment that symbolizes the nation’s stability, progress, and sporting achievement.
The Predicament of the Venue
Choosing where to hold such a significant series wasn’t easy. As a close ally of Afghanistan cricket, the BCCI proposed three locations for the Test match against New Zealand. Considering the significance of the game and the requirement for first-rate facilities, these choices were essential. The decision has to be carefully considered, taking the team’s comfort, infrastructure, and accessibility into account.
Why was Greater Noida selected?
After some deliberation, the Afghanistan Cricket Board selected Greater Noida Stadium, which caused some controversy. The ACB claims that the stadium’s contemporary amenities, proximity to New Delhi, and the team’s familiarity with the location all played a strategic role in the decision. Afghanistan had previously played in Greater Noida. Thus, the players felt at ease in their surroundings and the field.
Problems with the Selected Location
The choice hasn’t been without difficulties, though. Players and authorities have raised concerns regarding specific components of the Greater Noida Stadium. Concerns have been raised about the standard of the practice pitches, the scarcity of lodging choices in the area, and the logistical difficulties in hosting a team from abroad. Greater Noida has disadvantages compared to other venues provided. Still, in the end, it was deemed the most sensible option given the situation.
The Support Provided by BCCI to Afghanistan Cricket
Over the years, the BCCI has been an unwavering sponsor of Afghanistan cricket, giving vital infrastructure, logistical support, and venues. Afghanistan has found great value in this connection, especially considering their difficulties in staging international cricket matches inside their borders. The BCCI assistance in organizing this Test series is just one more indication of their dedication to advancing Afghanistan’s cricket aspirations.
Afghanistan’s Test Series Preparations
The Afghanistan squad is concentrated on its preparations despite the venue’s challenges. The players put a lot of effort into ensuring they are prepared for the obstacles that New Zealand will present as training camps are set up. With players like Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Rashid Khan in the lineup, Afghanistan wants to leave a lasting impact.
Responses from Experts and Fans
Reactions to the selection of Greater Noida have been conflicting. While some supporters are thrilled to be able to see the match because of the stadium’s proximity to New Delhi, others have voiced worries over the facility’s preparedness for such a prominent event. Cricket experts have also weighed in; some have praised the venue’s familiarity with Afghanistan, while others have suggested that other locations could have been more appropriate.
Considering the Future: Afghanistan Cricket’s Prospects
Setting the tone for Afghanistan’s longer-term future is more important than merely focusing on the short-term outcomes of this Test series versus New Zealand. As they develop and compete at the greatest levels of the sport, the lessons they’ve learned from this experience—both on and off the field—will be extremely significant.
In summary
Several factors made it difficult to hold Afghanistan’s Test match against New Zealand in Greater Noida. The location poses certain difficulties, but it also allows the crew to perform well under familiar circumstances. The focus will be on Afghanistan’s performance and how they manage the venue’s challenges as they prepare to face one of the best teams in the world.