After no play was possible on the first two days of what was supposed to be a historic feat- the one-off Afghanistan vs New Zealand Test match in Greater Noida, play was called off on Day 3 of the match as well. Amid severe criticism of the venue, a shocking report has emerged which claims that the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) and the Greater Noida authority went ahead with the match despite knowing that there could be a rain problem in order to make some money.
"This stadium comes under the Greater Noida Authority. Some of its people and some people from Afghanistan Cricket organised a match in Greater Noida during the rainy season to make money," the source told Times Now.
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"UPCA called several times to say let's have a meeting. We will give you whatever you need. We have experience, it will be easy for you. UPCA said that the match should be held in Green Park because UP League is being held in Ekana," the source added.
'They Took Away Workers From Labour Chowk To Manage The Ground'
In addition, the source went on to claim that the workers were taken from Labour Chowk to manage the ground, those who had no proper training of handling the situation. In addition, there was no Super Sopper available either at the facility.
"They took away workers from Labour Chowk to manage the ground. Have you ever seen such a thing? A WhatsApp was sent to a person from UPCA after which the Super Sopper was made available in the stadium," the source added.
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With three days already done, it looks unlikely that there will be a lot of play even if the ground staff manage to get cricketing action underway. Match referee Javagal Srinath's report could have a crucial role in deciding the fate of the ill-equipped venue especially when it was given the hosting rights of a Test match.