Afghanistan Test match abandoned

The one-off Test match between Afghanistan and New Zealand, scheduled for September 13, 2024, was abandoned without any play due to persistent rain and inadequate ground facilities at the Shaheed Vijay Singh Pathik Sports Complex in Greater Noida, marking only the eighth instance in Test cricket history this has occurred. Despite attempts to prepare the pitch, including the use of tarpaulin and electric fans, the venue's poor drainage and lack of proper maintenance prevented any play even during sunny conditions on the first two days. Afghanistan's head coach Jonathan Trott expressed disappointment over the scheduling and the venue's readiness, while New Zealand's Gary Stead echoed similar frustrations, highlighting missed opportunities for acclimatization ahead of upcoming series. Match officials confirmed the cancellation after a final inspection showed standing water on the field. The Afghanistan Cricket Board has since raised concerns about the management of the venue, although they have a long-standing relationship with the BCCI, which operates the stadium. This incident emphasizes the critical need for improved infrastructure at international cricket venues.