Namibia Frustrated by Lack of Night Training Before India Match

As the 2026 T20 World Cup unfolds, Namibia is expressing frustration over their lack of night training before a crucial match against India. Scheduled to play on Thursday, Namibia’s players found themselves practicing during the afternoon at Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi, a puzzling choice considering the match will occur under floodlights.

Missed Opportunities for Night Training

After suffering a defeat to the Netherlands in their opening game, Namibia’s captain, Gerhard Erasmus, voiced concern regarding their preparation. While Canada was training under lights for their upcoming match against UAE, Namibia was forced to leave the venue without having experienced night training.

Infrastructure Challenges in Namibia

Namibia lacks the necessary facilities for conducting night training sessions, which complicates their preparation. Erasmus stated, “We haven’t got any lights in Namibia. Infrastructure-wise, it’s probably the challenge for us.” He highlighted that only a few players have experience with night games, such as those who played in various leagues and World Cups.

Concerns Raised with ICC

The International Cricket Council (ICC) clarified that training schedules had been provided well in advance. According to an ICC spokesperson, late requests, like those from Namibia, could not be accommodated due to pre-allocated time slots. The spokesperson explained:

• Teams received their training schedules on January 27 and 28.
• Requests for adjustments were made by other teams and accommodated when possible.
• Namibia’s request for night training arrived too late to be honored.

Coaching Perspectives

Namibia’s coach, Craig Williams, anticipated a night training session prior to the match against India. He acknowledged the difficulty of competing under lights due to limited experience but stressed the importance of preparation. “Playing under lights is always going to be difficult because we don’t play that much under lights,” he stated.

As they gear up to face India, Namibia’s players are determined to focus on their strengths and execute their game plan, despite the challenges posed by inadequate training opportunities. This match is pivotal for Namibia, and they are committed to showcasing their fighting spirit on the field.