New Chandigarh, June 7 -- The Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) International Stadium in New Chandigarh etched its name into Indian cricket history on Saturday by hosting its maiden Test match, becoming the country's 31st Test venue. However, the landmark occasion unfolded before a modest crowd as extreme heat conditions kept many fans away from the stands.

Despite the significance of India's one-off Test against Afghanistan, only around 5,000 spectators were present at the 37,000-capacity venue on the opening day. With temperatures soaring through the afternoon and little respite from the blazing sun, many cricket enthusiasts opted to follow the action from home rather than endure the punishing conditions.

Those who did make the trip we...