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The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has attributed the first-ever Test match against New Zealand being washed out to heavy rain, despite concerns surrounding the venue's preparedness and drainage system. The match, held at the Shaheed Vijay Singh Pathik Stadium in Greater Noida, was abandoned after two days of play due to a wet outfield, leaving fans and players disappointed.
The ACB's International Cricket Manager, Menhajuddin Raz, defended the venue selection, stating that the Board chose Greater Noida for its logistical advantages, being just a two-hour drive from Delhi airport. Raz also pointed out that the venue had hosted previous Afghanistan matches against Zimbabwe and Ireland, highlighting its familiarity. He emphasized that the BCCI offered multiple options, including Kanpur and Bangalore, but Greater Noida emerged as the most logistically convenient choice.
However, despite the ACB's claims of thorough venue research and the stadium's previous international events, concerns about the drainage system remain unanswered. The ground's inability to be prepared for play after a brief downpour raises questions about its suitability for Test cricket, a format requiring optimal playing conditions. While the ACB acknowledged the drainage system's importance, they attributed the situation to specific patches and emphasized the groundsmen's efforts in managing the wet outfield.
The ACB also defended their pre-match recce, claiming that the venue was inspected extensively and deemed suitable. They argued that the heavy rain experienced in the weeks leading up to the match and the intense downpour on the night before the second day were unforeseen circumstances that impacted the ground's condition. However, the ACB failed to address concerns about the efficacy of their recce and how it could have failed to identify potential drainage issues.
The cancelled Test match further highlights the challenges faced by Afghanistan in hosting international teams within their own country. The ACB expressed their gratitude to the BCCI and ICC for their support in providing alternative venues while they navigate the complexities of hosting matches in Afghanistan due to security concerns. The lack of an adequate home venue underscores the ongoing need for the ACB to secure suitable alternatives for future international games.