The much-anticipated one-off Test between Afghanistan and New Zealand at Greater Noida Stadium has yet to see a ball bowled, with two days of play already abandoned.
A wet outfield, despite minimal rain, has led to widespread criticism. The situation has escalated with videos showing questionable efforts to dry the ground, and many fans are pointing fingers at the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
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Is BCCI at fault for the venue selection?
The criticism has largely centred around the BCCI, with many questioning why an international-quality venue wasn't provided for Afghanistan's Test match.
However, as reports suggest, BCCI had minimal involvement in the selection of Greater Noida as the venue. BCCI gave the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) two options — Kanpur and Greater Noida.
The ACB chose Greater Noida based on logistical reasons, primarily its proximity to Delhi, which offers better connectivity to Kabul.
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ACB official Mehnazuddin Raz stated, “The BCCI had allotted two grounds - Greater Noida and Kanpur. ACB chose this one because of the proximity to the national capital,”
“This was the best venue for us in terms of logistics, and that’s why Greater Noida was chosen,” he added.
The BCCI had allotted two grounds - Greater Noida and Kanpur. ACB chose this one because of the proximity to the national capital.
— Shayan Acharya (@ShayanAcharya) September 10, 2024
This is what the ACB CEO had told me in June.
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
How did the situation escalate?
The match was originally scheduled to begin on Monday, but rain led to the entire day being washed out. The second day saw no improvement, as wet patches emerged across the ground.
Despite efforts by the ground staff to dry the pitch, using unconventional methods like fans and grass grafting, nothing could be done to make play possible.
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Journalist Subhayan Chakraborty took to social media to clarify the situation, noting that while the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA) had offered assistance, their calls to the Noida Sports Authority went unanswered.
BTW, the BCCI is not to be blamed for the Noida Stadium fiasco. The ACB wanted Noida, they gave them. UPCA even called the Noida Sports Authority to help them with the preparations for the game but those calls went unanswered.
— Subhayan Chakraborty (@CricSubhayan) September 10, 2024
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As pictures and videos circulated online, the efforts made to dry the outfield have been widely criticized. Ground staff were seen using electric fans, a measure that drew considerable ridicule.
Adding to the controversy, they reportedly cut a dry patch from a practice area and attempted to graft it onto the affected part of the main ground. This only amplified the dissatisfaction of fans who are eager to see play begin, especially after two days of no action.
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