AFG vs NZ: Workers were put to work, electric fans were also used, despite all efforts the match could not be held

New Delhi. Despite the use of awnings to cover the outfield, electric fans to dry the wet outfield, borrowing ground covers from DDCA and super soppers from UPCA, the lack of play on the second day of the Test between Afghanistan and New Zealand in Greater Noida has caused a lot of criticism. Not a single ball could be bowled for the second consecutive day at the Shaheed Vijay Singh Pathik Sports Complex. This is an embarrassment for India at the international level.

The first Test match between the two teams was to start on Monday (September 9) but citing the safety of the players, the umpires cancelled the first day’s play. On Monday, there was no rain except for an hour of drizzle in the evening but the start of the game was affected on Tuesday. The game was to start half an hour earlier in the morning. The sky was clear but despite all efforts, the ground could not be made playable.

The ground staff were trying to bring dry grass from the practice complex and put it in the mid-on and midwicket area. Three table fans were also installed on the off side so that it could be dried. Officials of Greater Noida Authority were also present under whose supervision the work was being done. After inspecting the ground three times, the umpires cancelled the second day’s play as well. If sources are to be believed, Greater Noida Authority had asked for two super soppers from Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA) which were sent from Meerut Stadium.

Let us tell you that the Greater Noida Authority did not have skilled ground workers, due to which laborers were employed. ACB’s International Cricket Manager Minhaj Raj said, “This has always been Afghanistan’s home ground. We have been playing here since 2016. All this happened due to rain. We have also played a three-day match against the local team here in which there was no issue. “