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An official from the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has expressed strong dissatisfaction with the facilities at the Greater Noida Stadium after the first day of their team’s only Test match against New Zealand was washed out. The official described the situation as a “huge mess” and indicated that the team would not return to the venue in the future.
ACB official’s frustration over poor facilities in Greater Noida
The match, part of Afghanistan’s tour of India, was marred by heavy rain, leading to the cancellation of play on the first day. The Afghanistan official criticized the stadium’s management, stating that the conditions were unacceptable for an international match.
“This is a huge mess, we are never coming back here. The players are also unhappy with the facilities here,” the official remarked as reported by NDTV, highlighting the team’s frustration with the inadequate facilities.
Absolute farce. Look at the state of this.#AFGvNZ pic.twitter.com/jBdwA85Gwg
— Cr Shane Henderson (@HendoWest) September 10, 2024
Also READ: Afghanistan suffer major blow as Ibrahim Zadran gets ruled out of the one-off Test against New Zealand
‘Nothing has changed since we came here’: ACB official
The Greater Noida Stadium, managed by the Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority, has faced scrutiny in the past, having been banned by the BCCI from hosting matches due to issues related to match-fixing during corporate events. Since then, no BCCI-affiliated matches have been held at the venue, raising questions about its suitability for international cricket.
“We had spoken with the concerned people well in advance and were assured by the stadium guys that everything will be in order,” he added. “Nothing has changed since we came here. It’s not improved one bit.”
Coin toss or play was not even possible on Day 2 in Greater Noida due to the wet outfield.
No coin toss or play possible on day two in Noida due to the wet outfield following overnight rain #AFGvNZ pic.twitter.com/VlYOff5MTw
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) September 10, 2024