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The one-off Test match between Afghanistan and New Zealand in Greater Noida has been marred by rain delays, leading to criticism of the venue's facilities. The first two days of the match were completely washed out due to a wet outfield at the Shaheed Vijay Singh Pathik Stadium, with the toss yet to take place. Despite the setbacks, Afghanistan has defended Greater Noida as the chosen location for the match.
The venue has faced scrutiny for its below-par drainage system and unsatisfactory facilities. However, Afghanistan's international cricket manager, Menhaj Raz, highlighted that Greater Noida has previously hosted international teams like Zimbabwe and Ireland. He further emphasized that the location provided a logistical advantage, being a mere two-hour drive from Delhi airport. This convenience outweighed any concerns regarding the venue's infrastructure, according to Raz.
Akbar Paktian, the Afghanistan Cricket Board's (ACB) commercial manager, pointed out that Afghanistan had conducted a three-day practice match against a domestic team in Greater Noida without encountering any issues. The team's management had been informed by locals that the monsoon season typically ends by mid-August, but an extended monsoon period has disrupted the match schedule. While acknowledging the rain's impact, Raz commended the ground staff for their efforts in trying to prepare the pitch. He attributed the delays to an “act of God,” emphasizing that the persistent rain was beyond anyone's control.
Despite the setbacks, the match organizers remain optimistic about the possibility of commencing the game soon. Weather and outfield permitting, the toss will now take place at 9 am on Wednesday, with the match scheduled to begin at 9.30 am. The fate of the remaining days of the match hangs in the balance, dependent on the weather conditions and the ground staff's ability to make the pitch playable.