Basit Ali calls for BCCI to ban Green Park Stadium from hosting Tests

Former Pakistani cricketer Basit Ali criticized the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA) for the wet outfield issue during the India-Bangladesh Test in Kanpur. Basit Ali said that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) should ban the Green Park stadium from hosting Test matches in the future.

The Green Park has come under criticism after two consecutive days of the 2nd Test match were called off without a single ball being bowled. The play was called off on the third day despite no rain at the venue, which led to the frustration of the fans and experts who criticized the facilities of the stadium.

The BCCI Should Ban Kanpur From Hosting Tests - Basit Ali

In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Basit Ali highlighted that the Kanpur Test is crucial for India's chances in the World Test Championship (WTC). Basit said that the drawn match could hinder India’s chances of reaching the WTC final.

The cricketer-turned-expert said that many underestimate that India will win all three of their Test matches at home. Ali stated that India will be in a difficult position if one of the matches ends in a draw or loss against New Zealand, led by Tim Southee.

"The BCCI should ban Kanpur from hosting Test matches. This match ending in a draw will have an impact on India's chances of making it to the WTC final," Basit said.

"They won't understand it now as everyone thinks that India will win all three Tests against New Zealand. There could be a problem for India if one of those matches ends in a draw. Kanpur doesn't deserve to host a Test match," he added.

Rohit Sharma won the toss and chose to field in the Kanpur Test, but only 35 overs of play were possible on the opening day. Bangladesh finished the first day at 107/3, with Mominul Haque unbeaten on 40 runs. Akash Deep took two wickets, leaving the team at 29/2 before Bangladesh recovered.

They Still Couldn't Dry The Ground - Basit Ali

Basit Ali was surprised by the inadequate facilities in Kanpur, adding that he expected better from India given that the BCCI is the wealthiest cricket board globally. He criticized the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association for not drying the field effectively despite no rain on the third day.

"Before the start of the Test, the head of the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association made big claims like the pitch and ground are fantastic and they have a very good system in place. Everything got exposed. It hasn't rained since last night and they still couldn't dry the ground. It's surprising to see something like this in India," Ali concluded.

India leads the two-match series 1-0 following a victory in Chennai. The Rohit Sharma-led team is at the top of the World Test Championship table. However, India will have to win five of their remaining eight Tests to secure a spot in the WTC 2025 final match if the ongoing Kanpur Test ends in a draw.

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