The only Test match between Afghanistan and New Zealand, taking place in Noida, India, has faced a series of cancellations due to persistent rain and a wet outfield. For the fourth consecutive day, play has been called off, with the playing surface remaining unfit for cricket despite the ground staff’s efforts.
The match, part of the ICC World Test Championship, was initially set to start on September 9. However, light rain before the match rendered the outfield too wet, leading to the cancellation of the first day. Conditions did not improve on the second day, and heavy rainfall on the third day led to the abandonment of play once again.
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On the fourth day, with water continuing to accumulate and deeper patches developing, player safety concerns prompted another cancellation. The ground staff’s attempts to dry the field with fans and by removing wet patches proved inadequate, raising questions about the quality of the venue.
Afghan fans have expressed frustration with the Indian Cricket Board, accusing them of providing a substandard venue for such a significant match. The ongoing cancellations have cast doubt on the remainder of the Test, with further rain anticipated in the coming days.
The venue, which is hosting its first Test match, has been criticized for its lack of world-class facilities and insufficient drainage.
