BCCI forced to move U23 tournament knockouts from Delhi to Mumbai due to poor air quality: Report

The worsening air quality situation in the national capital has reportedly forced the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to shift the knockout stages of the men’s Under-23 one-day tournament from Delhi to Mumbai. The Indian cricket board decided to make the schedule changes as the Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 400 in Delhi on Thursday, the “severe” category, as per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

According to the Ministry of Earth Sciences’ Air Quality Early Warning System, the AQI would get worse in the next few days, remaining between “very poor” to “severe” categories.

BCCI acts as air quality worsens in Delhi

In such a scenario, the BCCI has asked the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) to stay ready for the matches from 25 November 25 to 1 December, the Indian Express has reported.

“We got a call from the BCCI today, informing us that the MCA has been allotted the under-23 one-day knockouts due to high air pollution in the capital. Cricket can’t be played in those conditions,” an MCA source told the Indian Express.

The league stage in the annual men’s Under-23 one-day tournament ends on 21 November. Eight teams will be part of the knockouts, but the complete schedule has not been announced yet.

The BCCI was also forced to move the first India vs South Africa Test that started on 14 November to Kolkata due to criticism for hosting matches in Delhi in winter. The India vs West Indies second Test was given to Delhi in return.

Delhi air pollution horror in 2017 match

Indian cricket fans would also remember the Delhi Test between India and Sri Lanka in December 2017, when the Lankan players were seen wearing masks during the match. The AQI during the match was over 300 and at one stage almost touched 400.

The Sri Lankan team also brought oxygen cylinders to its dressing room, while respiratory issues for Lahiru Gamage on Day 2 of the match led to a long delay.