After the Greater Noida stadium flooded from excessive rain, Hashmatullah Shahidi said, “There’s no way we’re going to play here.”

From September 9–13 in Greater Noida, Afghanistan will play a one-off Test against New Zealand. However, the heavy rain that Delhi saw on Thursday disrupted Afghanistan’s preparations for the important encounter. The groundskeepers had to use table fans to dry the strip because of the intense rainfall, which left the field moist.

Even though there are still nearly ten days until the match, the teams will be praying for perfect weather and a strong start to the Test. The 30-yard circle is not protected by a drainage system or coverage on the ground that BCCI has designated for the one-time test. As impressive as it gets, Afghanistan’s bowling coach Hamid Hasan had to search far and wide for a 10-yard position that was less soggy.

I wish we had remembered to pack our swimsuits, boys. We will not play here, in any case. The Indian Express cited skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi as stating, “Good place to swim.”

We have trained in far worse conditions, but what would you say to the New Zealand team management?,” he said. “Sir, hum logo ko aadat hai, but New Zealand waalon ko kya jawaab doge.”

After three years, Rashid Khan will return to the Test pitch.

The T20 World Cup 2024 semifinals were reached by Afghanistan’s squad under the captaincy of Rashid Khan. Despite losing to South Africa, the team’s first-ever knockout entrance in an ICC event was achieved. The insider disclosed that Rashid’s six- to one-year-long absence from red-ball cricket was a planned strategy when the spinner entered the league following a successful back operation.

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“Rashid was supposed to progressively increase his workload following surgery. The plan also included not playing the extended format for the ensuing six months to a year. He would have to continue bowling from one end during tests, and his back isn’t prepared for that kind of pressure. He ought to be available for next month’s ODI series against South Africa, according to the source.