The Shaheed Vijay Singh Pathik Sports Complex in Greater Noida is under scrutiny after the much-anticipated Test match between Afghanistan and New Zealand failed to start for two days due to poor ground conditions. The future of this stadium, which has hosted international matches in the past, is now hanging in the balance. All eyes are on the report by match referee Javagal Srinath, which will determine the fate of the venue.
Afghanistan Cricket Board’s Responsibility
Though the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has been blamed for issues at various stadiums, the responsibility for this venue’s mismanagement falls on the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB). The ACB was given the option to host the match at renowned venues like Bengaluru’s Chinnaswamy Stadium and Kanpur’s Green Park Stadium, but they chose Greater Noida, likely due to cost factors and familiarity with the venue.
This decision now appears to have backfired, as no play has been possible due to a waterlogged outfield. Despite the weather being clear on the second day, the ground conditions remained unplayable, and heavy rains on Tuesday further worsened the situation. The lack of basic facilities such as proper drainage and ground covers has highlighted the substandard condition of the venue.
Stadium’s History and Current Issues
The Greater Noida Stadium has not hosted a domestic BCCI match since the Vijay Hazare Trophy in 2019, and its deteriorating condition is evident. The BCCI had banned the venue in 2017, and it has not been considered for major tournaments since then. According to sources, there is little chance of the stadium hosting another match in the near future. The International Cricket Council (ICC) will now assess the venue based on Srinath’s report, which will play a key role in deciding the stadium’s future.
Poor Ground Conditions and Management
The main problem at the stadium is the wet outfield, which lacks proper drainage. Unlike other international venues, Greater Noida does not have enough super soppers to handle rainwater effectively. As a result, the ground staff had to use improvised methods like table fans and covering the outfield with shamianas (wedding canopies), which are clearly inadequate for an international match.
To make matters worse, there are not enough trained ground staff available. The stadium had to rely on general laborers to manage the ground, further complicating the situation.
Role of Match Referee and ICC Standards
Referee Javagal Srinath will play a crucial role in the assessment of the venue. Under the ICC’s Pitch and Outfield Monitoring Process (introduced in November 2023), Srinath’s report will be submitted to the ICC Senior Cricket Operator Manager. The report will also include feedback from umpires, match captains, and the referee.
If the outfield is rated as unsatisfactory or unfit, the stadium could receive demerit points. These points could be disastrous for the stadium’s future, as six or more demerit points could lead to a one-year ban from hosting international matches. According to the ICC, three demerit points are the maximum that can be given for a single match, but another such incident could result in serious consequences for the Greater Noida venue.
Uncertain Future for Greater Noida Stadium
With these delays and mismanagement, the future of the Greater Noida Stadium is now uncertain. The Afghanistan Cricket Board may need to reconsider its choice of venue for future matches. The outcome of Srinath’s report and the ICC’s final decision will determine whether Greater Noida will ever host another international match. For now, cricket fans and officials alike are left waiting, hoping that lessons will be learned and such incidents can be avoided in the future.
