The Namibia cricket team isn’t pleased with the International Cricket Council (ICC). Namibia’s captain Gerhard Erasmus isn’t pleased that his team hasn’t been given the opportunity to practice under the lights (night) despite training at the Arun Jaitley Stadium since February 8.
Namibia commenced their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign on February 10 against the Netherlands in Delhi. Since it was the morning match, 11 AM IST, Namibia were training in the afternoon, 2 to 5 PM IST, for the clash. However, since their match against India will be played on February 12, Erasmus and co. wanted to train at night.
Namibia displeased with training schedule
But the ICC didn’t schedule an under-the-lights practice for them on February 11, the eve of the India vs Namibia match. While it’s understandable that India practice from 6 to 9 PM IST on February 10 and 11, what Erasmus can’t fathom is that Canada, who play UAE on February 13 in Delhi, got the night slot over them.
“Yeah, we haven’t been given night training before this game. I don’t know why. I think India has two-night trainings, and I see outside that Canada is going to have a night training now. So, make of that what you want, but we’ll just rock up and do our Namibian way, which is to fight,” Erasmus told reporters in Delhi.
The Namibian captain explained that they don’t have a stadium with lights in their home country, which means they rarely play under the lights. They aren’t used to batting, bowling, or fielding in the night. When they play India late in the day, it’ll be a new experience for most of their players.
“We haven’t got any lights in Namibia. Infrastructure-wise, it’s probably the challenge for us. So yeah, it’s not a casual thing. Barring the guys who have played in the Nepal Premier League, ILT20, and the World Cups we have played, you don’t get accustomed to lights and train under it very often,” Erasmus added.
