Afghanistan official expressed his frustration over the inadequate facilities and sub-par drainage system at the Greater Noida Stadium. Notably, the opening day of the one-off Test between Afghanistan and New Zealand was called off due to poor conditions at the stadium, Shaheed Vijay Singh Pathik Sports Complex in Greater Noida. Despite no rain, the subpar drainage and wet outfield led to the opening day of the match being called off.
Not only this, but the shortcomings at the stadium were evident as the ground staff struggled to prepare the field for the game. Inspections by umpires and New Zealand players revealed the key issues that the pitch had at the mid-on and mid-wicket areas. This led to Afghanistan coach Trott expressing his frustration as the effort by the groundsmen seemed to have gone in vain.
Huge mess, never coming back: Afghanistan official expresses frustration at poor facilities at Noida Stadium
The shortcomings at the stadium managed by Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority faced criticism by officials and Afghanistan coach. Not only this, but even an Afghanistan Cricket Board official expressed his frustration and said that they won’t come back here. He said, “This is a huge mess; we are never coming back here.”
He added, “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).” Another official was quoted by NDTV as saying, “Nothing has changed since we came here. It’s not improved one bit.”