Afghanistan Cricket Team is Upset about Playing in India, Toss Delayed Due to Wet Outfield on Day 2
The start one-off Test between Afghanistan and New Zealand witnessed significant delay due to wet outfield at the Great Noida Stadium.
AFG vs NZ One-off Test Match at Noida Sports Complex: The Afghanistan vs New Zealand Test in Uttar Pradesh's Noida was scheduled to start from Monday. But because the field was wet, it was not possible to start that match. Although it did not rain in Noida on Monday. Still the field was wet. Hosts Afghanistan are starting to think about never coming there again.
Afghanistan played test match at Indian ground. They are playing a Test against New Zealand for the first time. On the other hand, this match was the best practice opportunity for the Kiwis. Because New Zealand will have to play a total of five matches against Sri Lanka and India in the subcontinent. Tests that are part of the World Championship. As a result, this test match was important for both the teams. But that match could not be started.
Questions are being raised about the field workers of Noida. It rained there on Sunday. At that time the field was wet. Even though it didn't rain all day on Monday, conditions could not be created to start the game. There was not enough lining to cover the field. Match referees and umpires check the field repeatedly. But the game could not be started. Players and spectators were disappointed.
As it is not possible to play in their own country, Afghanistan plays home matches on Indian soil. They chose Noida. But after seeing the management there, they are not willing to play there.
An Afghan Cricket Board official said, “There is no arrangement. Will never come here again. I will play in Lucknow. There is no minimum service in Noida. Disorganization throughout the field. The players are not happy with the food, the training ground is not right, everything is bad here."
Afghanistan batsman Ibrahim Zadran injured. He injured his ankle in practice. It is known that he slipped on the wet field. He got hurt from there. The injury is so serious that he will miss not only the Test against New Zealand, but also the one-day series against South Africa later this month.
An Afghan official said, “Our domestic cricket ground in Afghanistan is better than here. But nothing has changed here. We came here in 2016. Even after 8 years, the same curators and field workers are still in this field.”
Shaheed Vijay Singh Pathik Sports Complex was given the opportunity to host its first-ever Test cricket match but the situation put a big dent on the venue's reputation.
Although till now No public statements have been made by New Zealand's team, who will leave for Sri Lanka for a Test series before returning to India for a three-Test series.