AFG vs NZ: Afghanistan break silence on choosing controversial Greater Noida Stadium for one-off Test

The one-off Test between Afghanistan and New Zealand faced setbacks as Day 2 was also abandoned due to a wet outfield in Noida on Tuesday, September 10. Groundsmen at Greater Noida Sports Complex Ground were unable to prepare the field for play despite no rain on the first two days.

The Greater Noida Stadium has been criticized for its poor condition and inadequate facilities. Rainfall occurred before the match between Afghanistan and New Zealand, but the outfield has not dried out despite clear weather since. Groundsmen attempted to dry a wet patch on the field using fans.

Day 2 Of One-Off Afghanistan vs New Zealand Test Called Off

The Noida venue has served as the Afghan team's home ground in recent years. The first-ever Test match between Afghans and New Zealand is yet to begin due to a wet outfield. Afghanistan Cricket Board confirmed that Day 2 of the Test was abandoned as the outfield remained unfit for play.

"Day 2 Abandoned! Day 2 of the one-off #AFGvNZ Test has officially been called off. Despite multiple efforts to dry the surface, the outfield remained unfit for play," Afghanistan Cricket's official handle wrote on X.

Day 2 Abandoned! 😕

Day 2 of the one-off #AFGvNZ Test has officially been called off. Despite multiple efforts to dry the surface, the outfield remained unfit for play.#AfghanAtalan | #AFGvNZ | #GloriousNationVictoriousTeam pic.twitter.com/IB1GpKOZhw

— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) September 10, 2024

Former Sri Lankan cricketer and commentator Farveez Maharoof is optimistic about the possibility of play on Day 3. He said that there has been some improvement in the outfield conditions, but it's not enough to get some play. Maharoof hoped that play might resume tomorrow if there is no rain.

"According to the umpires there has been a lot of improvement but not enough to get some play. If there is no rain today then I genuinely believe we will have some play tomorrow," Maharoof said via Cricbuzz.

Most cricket grounds in India, except for M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru and Eden Gardens in Kolkata, have poor drainage systems. Hairdryers were used to dry the pitch during the IPL 2023 final between Gujarat Titans (GT) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the Narendra Modi Stadium.

This Was The Best Venue For Us - Mehnazuddin Naz

Mehnazuddin Naz, an international cricket manager for the Afghanistan Cricket Board, said that Greater Noida was selected as the venue for logistical reasons. The ACB chose Greater Noida over Kanpur and Bengaluru because it is closer to Delhi and has better connectivity from Kabul.

"This was the best venue for us in terms of logistics, and that's why Greater Noida was chosen," said ACB official Mehnazuddin Raz.

"Kanpur, Bengaluru and Greater Noida were the three venues offered by the BCCI, and we chose Greater Noida because it's closer to Delhi and connectivity from Kabul is better," he added.

This was the best venue for us in terms of logistics, and that's why Greater Noida was chosen, says ACB official Mehnazuddin Raz. @sportstarweb

— Shayan Acharya (@ShayanAcharya) September 10, 2024

The ACB and the BCCI signed a Memorandum of Understanding in 2015 to play Afghanistan's home matches in Noida. It received ICC approval to host international fixtures. The venue previously hosted a pink-ball match during the 2016 Duleep Trophy and various Ranji Trophy matches.

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