- Afghanistan vs New Zealand Test: The Afghanistan team does not seem happy at all with the ‘poor condition’ of the Greater Noida Sports Complex ground.
Source : Afghanistan Cricket Board
Afghanistan vs New Zealand Only Test:
The only test match between Afghanistan and New Zealand is being played in Greater Noida. The first day of the match which started on Monday (September 09) was cancelled due to wet outfield. Although not even a drop of rain fell on the first day, the first day of the match was cancelled. Actually, it had rained a day before, due to which the ground became wet and then could not dry.
The Afghanistan team did not seem happy at all with this ‘poor condition’ of Greater Noida. Talking to ‘Times of India’, an official of the Afghanistan Cricket Board said that they will not come here to play again. Apart from this, the official said that their first choice was Lucknow, not Greater Noida.
“The total poor management of the venues and the lack of proper training facilities has put the Afghan cricketers off a bit. It’s a huge mess. We are not coming back here,” the official said.
first day’s play was cancelled
Let us tell you that the first day of the Afghanistan-New Zealand Test in Greater Noida was cancelled due to wet ground. However, there was no rain on the day of the match. It rained a day before the start of the match, due to which the ground became wet. This wet ground could not dry and the first day had to be ended without any play.
The first test is being conducted in Greater Noida
It is worth noting that the test match being played between Afghanistan and New Zealand is the first test match to be held at Greater Noida Sports Complex Ground. Earlier, T20 and ODI matches have been played on this ground. However, this ground appeared to be a flop in terms of test match. The inconveniences of the ground disappointed everyone. Now it is expected that the second day’s game can be played without any interruption.
The much-anticipated Test match between Afghanistan and New Zealand took an unexpected turn, not due to rain or bad light, but because of the shocking conditions of the Greater Noida Cricket Stadium. The Afghanistan team, visibly frustrated, voiced their disappointment, with some players openly stating, “We will not come again,” after encountering the poor state of the venue. What was supposed to be an exciting contest between two competitive sides has instead raised concerns about the quality of facilities in Greater Noida and its ability to host international cricket.
The Disappointing Start: A Stadium in Dismal Condition
From the moment the Afghanistan team arrived in Greater Noida, it was clear that the facilities were not up to par. Players and staff were greeted by an outfield that was poorly maintained, uneven patches, and a substandard drainage system that had already delayed the game. Despite no recent rainfall, the outfield remained damp, and the infrastructure around the stadium appeared unfit for a high-profile international match.
The Afghanistan players, who have worked hard to rise in international cricket, were understandably upset. This was not just any match—it was an important Test against a team like New Zealand, and they expected facilities that would match the prestige of such an occasion.
Player Reactions: “We Will Not Come Again”
The Afghanistan team did not hold back in expressing their displeasure. Several players reportedly reacted sharply after seeing the condition of the stadium and the playing field. Comments such as “We will not come again” reflect the deep frustration felt by the team, who expected a higher standard for international cricket.
Test cricket is already a challenge, requiring intense focus, physical exertion, and a proper environment to perform. Playing on substandard grounds adds unnecessary stress and risks injury, something no professional cricketer should have to face at this level. The team’s reaction was not just about their own performance—it was a statement on the respect they felt they were not given, both as professionals and as representatives of Afghanistan.
Greater Noida’s Failure: A Stain on India’s Reputation as a Cricketing Hub
India has hosted countless high-profile cricketing events, from World Cups to IPL finals, with world-class stadiums and facilities. However, the situation in Greater Noida stands in stark contrast to these standards. The poor condition of the venue raises serious questions about the planning and preparation that went into hosting this match.
Greater Noida, being a relatively newer cricketing venue, was expected to present itself as a rising ground for international matches. Instead, the Afghanistan vs New Zealand Test has highlighted its unpreparedness for the demands of Test cricket. The drainage issues, uneven ground, and overall lack of maintenance make it clear that more attention and investment are needed if it hopes to host more international matches in the future.
The Afghanistan team’s sharp reaction will certainly put the stadium under scrutiny, and the greater cricketing community is likely to question why such conditions were allowed to persist.
Afghanistan’s Rise Deserves Better
Afghanistan cricket has been one of the most inspiring stories in recent times. Despite facing numerous challenges in their home country, the team has risen through the ranks of international cricket, earning their spot among the top Test-playing nations. Their hard work and determination have made them a beloved team worldwide, with fans appreciating their tenacity and skill.
Given their remarkable journey, Afghanistan deserves to play in venues that reflect the respect they have earned. For a team that has played against giants like India, Australia, and New Zealand, the conditions in Greater Noida were not just disappointing but disrespectful. The players were visibly disheartened, and their reaction highlights how important proper infrastructure and facilities are to the game of cricket.
Moving Forward: A Wake-Up Call for Organizers
The incident in Greater Noida should serve as a wake-up call for cricket organizers and governing bodies in India. International cricket, especially Test matches, demands the highest level of infrastructure and preparation. Grounds must be maintained, and stadiums must be equipped to handle any weather conditions. Drainage systems, proper outfield maintenance, and top-notch facilities for players and spectators are non-negotiable in modern-day cricket.
For Afghanistan, the experience in Greater Noida may leave a bitter taste, but it also shines a light on the need for better treatment and facilities for rising teams. Their reaction sends a clear message: no team, regardless of their stature, should have to face substandard conditions in international cricket.
Conclusion: Respect the Game, Respect the Players
The Afghanistan team’s sharp reaction to the poor conditions in Greater Noida is a reflection of the broader issue of respect for players and the game itself. Cricket, especially at the international level, is more than just a sport—it’s a platform where nations come together, where players put years of hard work on display, and where fans expect a world-class experience.
The conditions in Greater Noida were far from acceptable, and the Afghanistan team’s reaction is justified. It’s a reminder that cricket is not just about what happens on the field; it’s also about the respect and professionalism shown off the field. Moving forward, it is crucial that stadiums hosting international matches are held to higher standards, ensuring that no team has to experience what Afghanistan did.
The Afghanistan players may have said they “will not come again,” but their statement should encourage organizers to ensure that no other team faces such poor conditions in the future.