Why India are hosting Afghanistan vs New Zealand one-off Test? Explained

Afghanistan and New Zealand are set to lock horns in the longer format of the game for the first time in their cricketing history. The one-off Test will kick off on Monday, September 9 in Greater Noida. Although the match is being held in India, Afghanistan are considered the ‘host’ of this historic encounter. 

Afghanistan will be playing their 10th Test after gaining full membership of the International Cricket Council (ICC) in 2017. They have won three matches so far. On the other hand, New Zealand will be playing their 471st match.

Also Read: Former India batting coach joins New Zealand for one-off Test against Afghanistan

Why India are hosting the one-off Test?

Afghanistan’s political situation and lack of Test-standard facilities are the major reasons for playing their home matches in other countries. Their stadiums are considered not up to the international standards of the game.

Additionally, the prevailing political situation in the Taliban-ruled country has led to security and travel concerns for visiting teams. Playing at neutral venues like India or UAE ensures the smooth functioning of the game and the safety of international cricketers. 

India is one of the most reliable nations for the Asian dark horse. Since 2025, India has supported the Afghanistan cricket team by providing access and better facilities at multiple venues like Dehradun, Lucknow, and now Greater Noida.

This collaboration between the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) ensures that Afghan players can compete in high-level matches.

Also Read: New Zealand and Sri Lanka set to play six day Test Match with ‘Rest Day’ making its comeback

Another instance of India not playing the inaugural match in an Indian stadium

The Greater Noida Stadium will become the second cricket stadium in India to host the inaugural Test match without the Indian cricket team participating in the match. On both occasions, Afghanistan marked their presence.

The other venue where Afghanistan played the inaugural Test as ‘hosts’ was the Ekana International Stadium in Lucknow in 2019 against the West Indies. The Asian team lost by nine wickets in two days in that game. However, since then, the Afghanistan players have upped their game and the Indian pitches have well complimented their formidable spin attack.