AFG vs NZ 2024, Only Test: Greater Noida Stadium Manager blames rain as main culprit for marred encounter

The historic one-off Test match between Afghanistan and New Zealand at Greater Noida's Shaheed Vijay Singh Pathik Stadium (also known as Greater Noida Sports Complex Ground) has been under controversy, with not a single ball bowled for four consecutive days. The criticism is targeted towards the venue's preparation, but the stadium manager has dismissed claims of mismanagement, suggesting that the delays were due to inclement weather and the media outlets are merely seeking content.

The Test, scheduled to begin on Monday, has faced significant setbacks due to a combination of heavy rainfall and apparent inadequacies in the stadium's infrastructure. Reports have highlighted insufficient ground covers, poor drainage systems, and questionable readiness of the playing surface, raising concerns about the venue's suitability for international cricket.

“The Afghanistan team had arrived on 30 August and they played a 3-day (intra-squad) match from 1-2 September where they scored more than 300 runs. We delivered the pitch as per coach Jonathan Trott’s demand,” the stadium manager told the 93.5 Red FM.

Also Read: AFG vs NZ 2024, Only Test: Greater Noida agony continues as fourth day washed out, match likely to be abandoned

The rain is causing the major trouble, which isn’t in our hands: Stadium Manager

Attempting to deflect blame, the manager pointed to similar rain-related cancellations at Delhi's Arun Jaitley Stadium, suggesting that the weather was the primary culprit. The managers claim that Afghanistan has been using this as their home venue for three years and must have trained in rainy conditions. Afghanistan's previous matches at this venue were played in March 2017 and 2020, periods typically there is minimal rainfall in the region.

“The rain is causing the major trouble which isn’t in our hands. The closest stadium to this one is Delhi (Arun Jaitley Stadium) where the downpour has resulted in the cancellation of (DPL 2024) matches. The showers are so heavy that the water penetrates the covers despite enveloping the entire ground," he added.

Also Read: Twitter Reactions: BCCI’s reputation at stake for subpar infrastructure for AFG vs NZ Test

The manager even mentioned that people just want content and don't really want to know the truth. He also emphasized that the match was scheduled after the respective boards had accepted to play at this venue. 

“And it’s not that Afghanistan are not aware of this ground. It has been their home venue for three years, and they surely have trained in rainy conditions. Had their board been unaware, they wouldn’t have approved this venue to host the game. People just need content and don’t want to know the reality,” the manager concluded.