The highly anticipated one-off Test between Afghanistan and New Zealand at Greater Noida’s Shaheed Vijay Singh Pathik Stadium has faced widespread controversy after rain washed out play for four consecutive days. The match, which was set to showcase Afghanistan’s progress in Test cricket, has been marred by poor weather, with not a single ball being bowled since the scheduled start.
Stadium Manager Deflects Criticism
Despite growing criticism over the stadium’s preparation and infrastructure, the stadium manager has firmly rejected claims of mismanagement. Speaking to 93.5 Red FM, the manager blamed the delays solely on the weather. “The rain is causing the major trouble, which isn’t in our hands,” he stated. He also pointed out that Afghanistan has been using this venue for three years and was well aware of its facilities and challenges.
Concerns Over Ground Infrastructure
Many have questioned the stadium’s suitability to host an international fixture, pointing to insufficient ground covers and poor drainage systems. However, the manager dismissed these concerns, explaining that the pitch was prepared according to Afghanistan coach Jonathan Trott’s requirements.
Rain Impacts Cricket in Delhi as Well
To reinforce his point, the manager compared the situation to similar rain-related cancellations at Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium, where DPL 2024 matches were called off due to downpours. “The showers are so heavy that water penetrates the covers despite enveloping the entire ground,” he added, defending the stadium’s efforts to protect the pitch.
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Manager Defends the Venue’s Approval
In his defense, the manager emphasized that both Afghanistan and New Zealand’s cricket boards had agreed to play at the Greater Noida Stadium. He criticized the media for what he described as sensationalizing the situation without understanding the realities on the ground. “People just need content and don’t want to know the reality,” he concluded.
With the match now likely to be abandoned, questions remain about the preparedness of the venue and the decision-making behind scheduling such a significant Test during the monsoon season in the region.
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