‘Never Coming Back’: AFG Distraught as Subpar Conditions Mar Day 1 Play at Greater Noida Ground

Afghanistan is currently in India and was supposed to be in action against New Zealand in a one-off Test Match. However, Day 1 play could not commence at the Shaheed Vijay Singh Pathik Sports Complex in Greater Noida, U. P. Wet outfield played a major spoilsport in the competition and the first day of the red-ball match had to be called off after conditions did not improve. The Afghanistan Cricket Team players and its officials have expressed their disappointment with the venue and its woeful facilities.

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ACB Officials, Skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi Criticize Lack of Facilities in Greater Noida Ground

The Greater Noida Cricket Ground came under scrutiny as the lack of modern amenities took a toll on the operations which was needed to be done to dry the pitch up. Both sides could not do their training sessions because of the wet outfield. The Groundsmen also struggled to dry the pitch, and the super soppers also came in late. The ACB officials called out the stadium's mismanagement and the lack of communication between them and the Afghanistan Cricket Board.

"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," An ACB official said.

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

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Afghanistan Captain Hashmatullah Shahidi pleaded with the ACB and the BCCI to make arrangements for a suitable home venue with the required facilities for the team.

"India is our home, and when we host teams, other nations have played more cricket here. Hopefully, we will get a good venue here in India and if we restrict ourselves to one venue, it will be effective for us. Hopefully, the ACB and the BCCI will get us a good venue," he said.

The media-accredited personnel who did not have a proper media stand faced one of the biggest issues. They also faced the lack of water, power supply, and access to female washrooms. Even the fans suffered problems due to the lack of seating and sound unit for the announcements, which caused more problems.