'Embarrassing, shameful': Outrage as electric fans used, patches dug-up to save Afghanistan vs NZ Test (WATCH)
By Sunita Iyer | First Published Sep 10, 2024, 2:34 PM ISTThe much-anticipated one-off Test between Afghanistan and New Zealand in Greater Noida has descended into a major embarrassment, with efforts to make the ground playable drawing sharp criticism.
The much-anticipated one-off Test between Afghanistan and New Zealand in Greater Noida has descended into a major embarrassment, with efforts to make the ground playable drawing sharp criticism. For the second consecutive day, the match has been delayed due to a wet outfield, despite clear skies and sunshine, causing frustration for both teams and fans alike. The use of unconventional methods to salvage the ground has sparked outrage, raising questions about the preparedness of the venue.
Latest Videos
Scheduled to begin on Monday, this historic Test match—the first between Afghanistan and New Zealand—has yet to see a single ball bowled. The umpires, citing "player safety," deemed the outfield unfit for play, despite no rain on Tuesday. What has caught attention, however, is the extreme and unusual measures taken by the ground staff to dry the field.
India's betrayal of Afghanistan cricket is shocking! Greater Noida Stadium isn't even fit for street cricket.
Groundsmen patching grass from practice areas, and catering using urinal washroom taps for water! How can they treat a Test team like this? https://t.co/qXD8pRDM4W pic.twitter.com/Se3SyENhI9
Groundsmen at the Greater Noida Stadium were seen deploying electric fans in a bid to dry soggy patches of grass, particularly in the mid-on and midwicket areas. In a scene that has sparked ridicule, three table fans were positioned on the field in a desperate attempt to reduce moisture levels. Meanwhile, other sections of the ground saw more drastic measures—groundsmen resorted to digging up wet patches and filling them with dry soil and fresh turf, with some dry grass brought in from the practice area.
So, the groundsmen are cutting patches of grass from the practice facility and installing them at the ground. pic.twitter.com/Z9yGOwzQl9
— Shayan Acharya (@ShayanAcharya)Some nets session for New Zealand players. The Afghanistan players aren't here yet. pic.twitter.com/zbjsg1mr2P
— Shayan Acharya (@ShayanAcharya)More fans have been brought in to dry the outfield. pic.twitter.com/NjlrOy58py
— Shayan Acharya (@ShayanAcharya)It's unbelievable that the ground is being dug up to install grass slabs to steady the outfield on the second day of a Test day.
A poor advertisement for the game. pic.twitter.com/LcWCc8Y2ns
It's been bright and sunny since morning, but this is how the ground looks at the moment.
A terrible advertisement for Test cricket. pic.twitter.com/9t51ZtGWa1
The haphazard efforts have raised eyebrows in the cricketing community. Umpires have already conducted two inspections, with another one scheduled for 3:00 pm local time, but chances of play remain slim as the field remains waterlogged due to days of monsoon rain.
Adding to the chaos, the press box at the venue was initially an open-sided tent, furnished with just a rug and chairs, without internet or power. Following complaints from journalists, the media area was shifted, though the lack of basic infrastructure has deepened the embarrassment for the organizers.
The press and fans alike have expressed outrage over the poor conditions. The Times of India, one of the country’s largest newspapers, described the venue as “ill-equipped” and criticized the inadequate drainage system. Despite a clear Tuesday morning, the field remained soaked, a situation exacerbated by the venue’s rudimentary facilities.
An unnamed official from the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) voiced disappointment, stating, "This is a huge mess. We are never coming back here." The ACB has reportedly been cautious about criticizing the venue, fearing it could strain their relationship with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Afghanistan has been reliant on the BCCI for hosting matches outside their conflict-ridden homeland, with venues in cities like Lucknow and Dehradun being offered. However, those grounds were unavailable for this Test due to local leagues.
ACB OFFICIAL 🗣
This is a huge mess, we are never coming back here...
This is the way Indian are treating slaves.......
Afghanistan players become slaves of India just for some money from IPL. pic.twitter.com/2kyOR7DiDk
For Afghanistan, this match was meant to be a significant milestone, marking their 10th Test since gaining full membership status with the International Cricket Council (ICC). Afghanistan has previously hosted several T20 and ODI games at the Greater Noida venue, but this is the first Test match here—and the lack of preparedness has resulted in what many are calling a debacle.
The Afghanistan team, eager to prove themselves in the longest format of the game, has been left stranded. Meanwhile, the New Zealand players, including captain Tim Southee, have remained at their hotel, with some spending time on Monday throwing rugby balls to pass the time.
Also read: Suryakumar Yadav's epic reaction to ISL free-kick goals goes viral (WATCH)
The BCCI, which has a long-standing relationship with Afghanistan Cricket, is now under fire for allowing the match to be held at a venue lacking the necessary facilities. Despite the offer to host Afghanistan's matches in India, the Greater Noida stadium has proven to be inadequate for an international Test fixture. With drainage systems ill-prepared to handle the monsoon rains and basic amenities missing from the venue, many are questioning the decision to hold a match of this magnitude here.
As the drama unfolds, New Zealand will soon head to Sri Lanka for a two-Test series before returning to India for three more Tests. However, for Afghanistan, this mishap at Greater Noida has already left a sour taste and may hamper future collaborations with the BCCI.
Here's a look at some of the reactions on X in the wake of the situation in Greater Noida:
Afghanistan players face an unfortunate situation, feeling mistreated in India. Cricket should unite, not divide. The exploitation for IPL money raises serious questions about respect and sportsmanship in the game.
— Golden Sparrow 👸🐦⬛ (سنہری چڑیا) (@7GoldenSparrow)AFG vs NZ : The groundsmen at the Greater Noida Stadium have been cutting patches of grass from the practice facility and installing them in the outfield of the main ground.
THIS IS JUST EMBARRASSING MAN pic.twitter.com/pGg3AslanZ
Bcci should have given them a international stadium with proper drainage facilities. We have plenty of good stadium in india.
— shishir (@s_sharma93)This test match turning into a farce now. , if you really want to help Afghan cricket, at least give them a proper stadium with all the facilities. https://t.co/42rvyjzdJr
— Vish (@vish_990)Okay. Make me understand. What went wrong? It's not like we are short of grounds in India? Did Afghanistan want this ground or were they allotted this? https://t.co/BwGbR48CGX
— Divakar KS (@divakar_ks)Shambolic and utterly pathetic. BCCI is sleeping while this farce continues. There is still time to move the Test match to another venue. Really feel sorry for the NZ and Afghanistan teams. https://t.co/gMomwAX68S
— Prem Mohanty 🏏⚽️ (@philipbkk)A team which anyway gets less opportunities finally gets one and the opposite team sends best player to help them but BCCI ruins everything by conducting the match in a stadium without minimum facilities.
This is embarrassing at this point. https://t.co/PRPwDFOC3z
Wow… what a shame.
Still there are people who’ll be defending BCCI for this. https://t.co/LdYZZscxU3
This is very embarrassing. Who are the management behind this ground. Ban them for life. https://t.co/Hi7vJTb6hZ
— Kaushik Kashyap (@CricKaushik_)
subscribe to Asianet Newsable WhatsApp channel by clicking here. For more reliable and latest news
subscribe to Asianet Newsable Telegram channel by clicking here.