Cricket

Toss for India-Bangladesh Test Delayed Due to Wet OutfieldThe toss for the second Test between India and Bangladesh has been delayed due to a wet outfield following overnight rain in Dhaka on Friday, September 27, 2024.Overnight rain left the outfield saturated, prompting the ground staff to bring out super-soppers to dry the pitch. An inspection is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. local time to determine if play can commence.India defeated Bangladesh by 280 runs in the opening Test in Chennai, taking a 1-0 lead in the two-match series. The second Test is crucial for Bangladesh to level the series, while India will aim to seal the victory.The wet outfield has cast a shadow over the start of the second Test, but both teams will be eager to take to the field as soon as possible. The toss delay has given the players and officials time to assess the conditions and prepare for the match.The weather forecast for Dhaka over the next few days is mixed, with a chance of further rain. However, the ground staff is working diligently to ensure that the outfield is ready for play as soon as possible.

Greater Noida's Shaheed Vijay Singh Pathik Sports Complex, despite its lack of prominence in the domestic cricket circuit, has found itself in the national spotlight as the host of a one-off Test match between Afghanistan and New Zealand. However, the stadium's unsuitability for hosting such a high-profile event has raised questions about its preparedness.The stadium, maintained by the Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority (GNIDA), lacks the infrastructure and trained personnel necessary for handling wet outfield conditions. The absence of adequate covers and equipment for quick drying has resulted in the cancellation of play on the first two days of the Test match.The stadium's history of hosting cricket matches is limited, with its last BCCI-sanctioned match being an U-19 Cooch Behar Trophy contest in 2019. Despite being the 'home' ground of the Afghan cricket team, it has only hosted three T20 matches between Afghanistan and Ireland in 2020.The stadium's lack of maintenance has also been a concern, with sources indicating that it has not been properly cared for in recent years. This has contributed to its unsuitability for hosting serious cricket matches.The match referee's report on the stadium's preparedness is eagerly awaited, as it will shed light on the reasons behind the venue's selection for the Test match. The incident has raised questions about the BCCI's decision-making process and the need for stricter criteria for selecting venues for international cricket matches.

Bizarre Delay in US vs Ireland T20 World Cup Match as Groundstaff Washes Hands Near PitchThe United States vs Ireland T20 World Cup match in Florida was delayed on Friday due to a bizarre incident involving a groundstaff member washing hands near the pitch. The crucial Group A match was initially delayed by 30 minutes due to a wet outfield, but after an inspection at 8 pm IST, the umpires and match officials decided to further delay the game by an hour.During the initial inspection, a groundstaff member was spotted washing hands near the pitch, raising eyebrows on social media. The incident occurred as the groundstaff battled to remove standing water from the outfield.If the Group A game is abandoned, the USA will qualify for the Super Eights stage, along with group leader India. Pakistan and Ireland will be eliminated along with Canada.In a third inspection at 9 pm IST, the umpires decided to wait for another hour as the groundstaff continued to work on the outfield. A special machine was also used to dry up the ground quickly.A washout today would also give the USA direct entry to the 2026 T20 World Cup, while Pakistan would have to play qualifiers.