The recent Test match between Afghanistan and New Zealand at the Shaheed Vijay Singh Pathik Sports Complex in Greater Noida has raised significant concerns about the venue's suitability for international cricket. Due to heavy rain and poor ground management, no play occurred over the two-day period, leading to a review of the venue's preparedness by match referee Javagal Srinath.
Despite having alternative venues with better facilities, such as the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru and Green Park in Kanpur, the Afghanistan Cricket Board chose Greater Noida. This decision now appears questionable, particularly as the venue's infrastructure has remained unchanged since it last hosted domestic matches in 2019.
Srinath's upcoming report will be critical in determining whether Greater Noida will continue to be considered for international matches. According to the ICC’s Pitch and Outfield Monitoring Process, a negative assessment could result in demerit points for the venue. Accumulating six or more demerit points could lead to a 12-month suspension from hosting international fixtures, which may force the Afghanistan Cricket Board to rethink future events at this location.
The venue's shortcomings, including inadequate drainage, lack of a super sopper, insufficient ground staff training, and inadequate outfield protection, were highlighted by the recent match. Without significant financial investment from the BCCI, it may be challenging for the Greater Noida Authority to address these issues.
In summary, the outcome of Srinath’s report and subsequent decisions by the Afghanistan Cricket Board will likely determine the future of Greater Noida as an international cricket venue.