The one-off Test between Afghanistan and New Zealand was abandoned on Friday (September 13, 2024) without a ball being bowled, marking only the eighth time in Test cricket history that such a situation has occurred.
The first two days of the game were canceled due to a wet outfield, raising significant concerns about the preparedness of the Shaheed Vijay Singh Pathik Sports Complex. The remaining three days were then washed out due to persistent rain.
Despite bright sunshine on the first two days, no play was possible as the umpires cited “players safety” as a concern. The midwicket area was a particular concern. To address the issue, groundsmen brought in dry sections of grass from the practice area to “transplant” in the midwicket zone.
While the BCCI tried to assist by providing additional machinery and the Delhi Delhi & District Cricket Association and Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association helping out, it was a little too late.
Afghanistan, who were granted their Test status in 2017 and have played only nine international red-ball games before this fixture, were the hosts. It was the first time Afghanistan, who don’t get to play too many Tests with big nations, was scheduled to take on New Zealand.
This fixture was, however, not a part of the ICC’s World Test Championship cycle. As for the stadium, match referee Javagal Srinath’s report on the preparedness of the venue will go a long way in deciding its fate.
