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The Afghanistan versus New Zealand one-off Test, which was set to be of historic benchmark has seen four days get called off due to the poor facilities at the Greater Noida Sports Complex Ground in Greater Noida. The historical one-off Test, which was scheduled to start from September 9 has been marred with controversy after continuous washout.
Although the washout hasn’t been due to only rain, but poor drainage facility at the stadium is what has garnered unwanted attention, boiling it to be a big controversy. Although the match wasn’t a part of the World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, it has even handed backlash to the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) for picking a venue which isn’t under Board of Control for Cricket India’s (BCCI) aegis.
Greater Noida Stadium to be banned from hosting international matches: Reports
However, it is doubtful if the match will be played now with four days already getting called off, the controversy has even sparked rumours of the stadium receiving ban from hosting international matches. Although the decision of the stadium getting banned, stands in the hands of match-referee Javagal Srinath, he will also need BCCI’s assistance.
As per International cricket Council’s (ICC) guidelines, match referee’s report is the decisive factor which will decide whether the ground will get a ban or not. Former India cricketer, who serves at a post with the ICC, will thoroughly assess the ground conditions, especially the drainage system to announce his decision. As per ICC, Srinath will do a pitch and monitoring process, and a report will be sent to ICC Head. If the pitch and/or outfield are rated “unsatisfactory” or “unfit”, then demerit points will be given to the stadium.
Furthermore, if the stadium receives more than six demerit points, within a five-year period no international games will be held for a period for 12 months.
Is BCCI responsible for the poor facility at the Shaheed Vijay Singh Pathik Sports Complex in Greater Noida?
The answer to whether BCCI is responsible for the poor amenities available at the stadium is not known, in 2017, the ground was banned by the Indian cricket board for hosting private leagues. Moreover, the stadium was also amid allegations of match-fixing and thus no BCCI affiliated matches have been hosted at this venue since then. Furthermore, the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA) also does not have a major say on this. The ground is solely owned by the Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority, and they oversee the operational matter regarding the same.
Although, in the ongoing one-off Test, the UPCA did extend some help by sending out the super sopper at the request of Afghanistan Cricket Board. A report from the PTI also added that the Delhi District and Cricket Association (DDCA) provided covers to help them during this situation.
