It was expected to be a historic Test between Afghanistan and New Zealand but it has turned out to be a frustrating series of events for players in Greater Noida. Afghan players are frustrated whereas the BlackCaps have been surprised to see the state of affairs at Shaheed Vijay Singh Pathik Stadium. The organisers have not able to provide basic facilities for the one-off Test between Afghanistan and New Zealand.
After an entire day was washed out due to wet outfield, the ground staff has dug up two to three feet of area near mid-on. They tried putting dry soil and artificial grass on the affected area but it looks far from ready. The entire outfield does not look fit for international cricket as it is almost muddy. It may lead to injuries to players despite their makeshift arrangements to make play possible.
After a long wait, Day 2 of the Afghanistan vs New Zealand Test match has been washed out. Sports Tak correspondent was there at the ground from 8 AM IST and found out that the ground staff was there till 4.30 PM IST to fill that spot in the ground.
The sorry state of preparations
Sports Tak has learnt that there are 20-25 members in the ground staff and 15 outsourced. There are five supper soppers including two automatic and three manual. Even the covers and fan were rented from a tent house.
It was clear that the organisers were not prepared for the rain. They lacked basic resources to cover the entire ground. The players of both teams were so sure after seeing the conditions that they stayed back at the hotel on Day 2.
Now the major questions arise for the board that prides itself over creating a new and improved infrastructure. Is the stadium's drainage system way below par? Why there was no readiness to counter emergencies?
The casual approach may lead to bad news for the venue. The International Cricket Council (ICC) may deem the ground unfit for international cricket.
From bad to worse
The caterers at the stadium were seen using tap water from the washroom to wash their utensils and prepare food. They unhygienic conditions at the stadium have raised eyebrows as well attesting to Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) official claims of mismanagement.
Afghan players not willing to play in Greater Noida again
Earlier, Sports Tak had reported that the Afghan cricketers were unhappy with the facilities provided to them. They don’t want to play their home matches in Greater Noida but at Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow.
“There are no facilities. We will never come here again. Our preference will be Lucknow,” an ACB official told Sports Tak.
“There are no basic facilities. There is complete mismanagement at the venue. Even the players are not happy with good, training facilities and everything”.
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