AFG vs NZ 2024, Only Test: Electric fans used to dry wet patches in Greater Noida

The one-off Test between Afghanistan and New Zealand which is not included in the 2023-25 World Test Championship cycle, was supposed to begin on September 8, 2024. Two days later, not one ball has been bowled thanks to a bizarre reason.

With the drainage system at the Greater Noida Sports Complex Ground not of the usual international standard, the water accumulated due to consistent rainfall over the past couple of weeks meant that even the toss has not been done yet.

In a desperate bid to dry out the outfield, the groundsmen took to portable electric fans which they placed across the outfield hoping that that would help in the process of making the ground suitable for play to commence.  The ground staff were also observed stretching out sheets of red tarpaulin to cover specific areas of the pitch in anticipation of more rain.

The on-field umpires deemed the ground as unfit for play to commence despite conducting multiple inspections throughout the day, much to the disappointment of onlookers as well as the Afghanistan side in particular, who would have been keen on getting their 10th Test underway in their adopted home.

Also Read: Explained: Why is AFG vs NZ one-off Test not part of WTC 2023-25 cycle?

This is a huge mess; we are never coming back here: ACB official

An official of the Aghanistan Cricket Board was unrestrained in his criticism with regards to the situation of the ground as well as the ill-preparedness of the group of people responsible for the upkeep of the ground. 

"This is a huge mess, we are never coming back here. The players are also unhappy with the facilities here. We had spoken with the concerned people well in advance and were assured by the stadium guys that everything will be in order (pertaining to the media facilities)," stated an official representing the ACB.

"Nothing has changed since we came here. It's not improved one bit," added another. 

Also Read: Hashmatullah Shahidi wants more Test matches for Afghanistan and dedicated home venue in India

In yet another last-ditch measure, the ground staff dug up wet patches in the cover-point and midwicket regions and filled it up with dry soil and fresh turf.