The Afghanistan vs New Zealand Test match has turned into an utter failure so far. Despite minimal rainfall, play has been impossible for four sessions in this historic fixture due to poor drainage and outfield conditions at the venue.
The opening day of the match ended in a complete washout, with not a single delivery bowled. On Day 2, the game couldn’t commence at the scheduled time as the outfield remained soggy.
Although rain fell on the evening of Day 1, there has been no precipitation at the ground since then, yet the grounds crew has not managed to make the field playable.
On Day 2 some strange scenes unfolded as ground staff were seen cutting grass patches from various sections of the field and transporting them to the damp areas. To add to the chaos, even fans were recruited to help dry the wet spots on the pitch.
Around 20-25 individuals were tasked with drying the ground including 15 outsourced workers, but their efforts fell short for most of the first session, which ultimately concluded without the toss occurring.
According to a report in India Today, a total of five super soppers (two automatic and three manual) were brought in to help improve conditions at the stadium, but their drying efforts were slow and ineffective.
Furthermore, the covers used for the pitch were rented from a local tent house, underscoring the venue organizers’ lack of preparedness for hosting an international cricket match.
Shaheed Vijay Singh Pathik Sports Complex was given the chance to host its first-ever Test cricket match, but this situation has significantly tarnished the venue’s reputation.
