Afghanistan vs New Zealand: Is BCCI to Blame for the Greater Noida Test Fiasco?

The one-off Test match between Afghanistan and New Zealand at the Greater Noida Stadium has been marred by controversy after Day 2 was called off due to a wet outfield on Tuesday, September 10. What has followed is a barrage of criticism from fans, media, and even players over the poor facilities at the venue. Videos circulating online have shown ground staff resorting to using electric fans in an attempt to dry the field, adding to the growing outrage.

In the midst of the chaos, fingers have been pointed at the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), with many accusing the Indian board of negligence. But is the BCCI really to blame for this fiasco, or is the situation more complicated than it seems?

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Is the BCCI at Fault?

To fully understand the issue, it’s crucial to note that the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) was responsible for choosing Greater Noida as the venue for the Test match. The BCCI had given Afghanistan three potential options, Kanpur, Bengaluru, and Noida. Despite the other two cities offering well-established cricketing infrastructure, the ACB opted for Greater Noida.

An ACB official, Mehnazuddin Raz, later explained the decision, stating that Greater Noida was chosen for logistical reasons, mainly due to its proximity to Delhi. Given Afghanistan's limited international matches, a venue closer to major transport hubs made logistical sense for their team.

While the BCCI had no direct hand in the final venue choice, the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA) did offer assistance to the Noida Sports Authority in managing the event. However, reports suggest that the UPCA’s offers went unanswered. The Afghanistan Cricket Board had not kept UPCA in the loop.

While the BCCI is responsible for ensuring the overall quality of cricket in India, it is difficult to place the blame squarely on their shoulders in this case. They provided suitable venue options to the ACB, including the established cricketing hubs of Kanpur and Bengaluru. The Afghanistan Cricket Board's decision to choose Greater Noida for logistical convenience is where the trouble began.

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Moreover, the BCCI has no direct control over the Noida Sports Authority, which is managed separately. Any coordination issues between the local ground staff and the authorities are beyond the BCCI’s jurisdiction. The board had ensured that other, more cricket-ready venues were on the table, but the decision-making ultimately rested with Afghanistan.