 "BCCI defends scheduling India Test in November in Delhi, says 'pollution issue doesn't happen every year'")
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is confident air pollution will not be a concern during the November India-South Africa Test in Delhi. The match is scheduled to take place from 14 to 18 November . The national capital has been facing a severe air pollution crisis in the winter months for the past few years.
The Air Quality Index (AQI) for Delhi on 18 November 2024 was 999. Anything over 400 on the AQI reading is considered to be “severe”. As a result, the state government was forced to issue an advisory to shut down schools, however, BCCI feels it’s not a recurring thing and the Test match will proceed without any hiccups.
BCCI feels air pollution will not be problem during Delhi Test
“We have considered all factors and have gone by the rotation policy after discussing it with everyone. The pollution issue doesn’t happen every year,” BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia told the Indian Express.
Delhi and Districts Cricket Association (DDCA) secretary Ashok Sharma said the air pollution situation will be better in November as compared to December.
“Also, the Arun Jaitley Stadium is located in a relatively open area with more green area around. So the air quality is better than in most other areas. Delhi had not been allotted a Test match for a while. The BCCI allotted us the game, so we have to go by the calendar. In November, the pollution, if at all, is less compared to December,” he was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo.
We must not forget that two Ranji Trophy matches were cancelled in Delhi in November 2016 due to poor air quality. During the India-Sri Lanka Test match in December 2017 in Delhi, Sri Lankan players were seen sporting masks.
In November 2019, Bangladesh players were seen struggling to cope with air pollution, with two of them vomiting on the field during an ODI.
Even during the 2023 ODI World Cup, Bangladesh cancelled their training sessions ahead of the 6 November match against Sri Lanka at Delhi.
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