From Racing Glory to Cricket Blues

Just a decade ago, Greater Noida was in the global spotlight for hosting three thrilling Formula One Grand Prix events from 2011 to 2013 at the famed Buddh International Circuit. Designed by the legendary Hermann Tilke, this circuit was celebrated for its exhilarating high-speed turns and world-class facilities. Fast forward to 2024, and the same region is facing a starkly different reputation — this time not for excellence, but for criticism over inadequate sporting amenities.

Recently, the Shaheed Vijay Singh Pathik Sports Complex in Greater Noida came under a cloud of controversy during a Test match between Afghanistan and New Zealand in September. With no rain to blame, the venue's poor drainage systems led to two back-to-back washouts, drawing frustration and disappointment from both fans and players alike.

Disappointment from Afghanistan's Camp

Afghanistan's Test captain, Hashmatullah Shahidi, didn't hold back in expressing his dissatisfaction. Shahidi voiced his concern that the facility hadn't shown any progress since 2020, comparing it unfavorably to stadiums in Afghanistan, which he believes are better equipped. The frustration was palpable; ground staff resorted to using table fans in a last-ditch attempt to dry the pitches, symbolizing the lack of adequate equipment and planning.

An official from the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) further revealed that the Greater Noida venue wasn't even their top choice. Their preference was venues in Lucknow and Dehradun, which are known to offer better facilities. Unfortunately, schedules clashed with the BCCI's ongoing T20 league, leaving Afghanistan with fewer options.

This Test match was Afghanistan's third cricket event hosted in India, following previous fixtures in Dehradun and Lucknow, exposing a series of logistical challenges that foreign teams face in India.

The incident has highlighted the inconsistency in sports infrastructure across India. Despite its remarkable history in motorsport, the present scenario reveals a gap in maintaining quality across multiple sports disciplines. As India strives to position itself as a hub for international sports, addressing these infrastructural limitations is crucial for future credibility.