India has shown strong support for the Afghanistan cricket team by designating three venues for their upcoming matches: Greater Noida, Kanpur, and Lucknow. Among these, the Shaheed Vijay Singh Pathik Sports Complex in Greater Noida is set to host a historic Test match between Afghanistan and New Zealand starting September 9. This will mark the first-ever Test encounter between the two teams. However, recent comments by Afghan captain Hasmatullah Shahidi have brought attention to some issues at the Greater Noida stadium.
Captain’s Critique Amid Heavy Rainfall
The Afghanistan team arrived in India on August 28 to prepare for this landmark Test series. Unfortunately, heavy rains in the Delhi NCR region have caused significant waterlogging issues on the practice pitches. The lack of proper facilities, such as super-soppers or pitch covers, has hindered the team’s preparation.
Captain Hasmatullah Shahidi voiced his frustration in a recent statement reported by the Indian Express. He humorously remarked that the conditions at the stadium made it more suitable for swimming rather than cricket. Shahidi said, “We should have brought our own swim gear. We will not be able to play here in any way. This is a good place to swim. Sir, we are used to it, but what will you answer to the New Zealanders?” His comments highlight the challenging conditions the Afghan team is facing as they prepare for their historic Test match.
A Crucial Match for Both Teams
The upcoming Test match holds significant importance for both Afghanistan and New Zealand. Afghanistan has announced a preliminary squad of 20 players, from which 15 will be selected for the final match. The selection will follow a week of fitness and training sessions to ensure the team is in top condition despite the adverse weather conditions.
New Zealand is scheduled to arrive in India next week, preparing not only for this Test match but also for a series against India in October. For New Zealand, this match serves as crucial preparation, adding to the significance of the game.
Challenges and Preparations
While the Greater Noida stadium faces criticism, the match is still set to be a historic moment for cricket. The difficulties faced by the Afghan team underscore the broader challenges of international cricket logistics, particularly in adverse weather conditions. As both teams gear up for this significant encounter, the focus will be on overcoming these hurdles to deliver a memorable match.
Shahidi’s candid remarks have brought a spotlight to the preparations and challenges ahead, setting the stage for an eagerly anticipated Test match between two competitive teams.
