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Concerns Over Air Quality in Delhi Ahead of ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Match
Delhi’s Persistent Air Quality Issues
Face masks aren’t a new thing in Delhi, as they have been a common sight long before the COVID-19 pandemic emerged. The city’s heavily polluted air has been an annual challenge for quite some time. On Sunday, November 5, with the Air Quality Index still in the ‘severe’ category, the Delhi Education Minister declared that primary schools in Delhi would remain closed until November 10. However, this decision left cricket fans wondering about the upcoming Sri Lanka vs. Bangladesh match.
ICC’s Response to Air Quality Concerns
In response to these concerns, the International Cricket Council (ICC) released an official statement addressing the situation. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) sought the expertise of renowned Pulmonologist Dr. Randeep Guleria to assess the air quality in Delhi ahead of Monday’s game and to provide independent expert advice. Under Dr. Guleria’s guidance, the venue team has taken various measures throughout the day to mitigate the effects of the polluted air. These measures include implementing water sprinklers around the premises and installing air purifiers in the dressing rooms and match officials’ areas. The Air Quality Index (AQI) within the stadium was monitored throughout the day and has improved to levels considered acceptable by Dr. Guleria.
The ICC assured that they would continue to collaborate with Dr. Guleria, the BCCI, Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA), and the Delhi Government to closely monitor air quality and take all necessary steps to address air quality concerns at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. As of now, the match remains scheduled to take place in Delhi on Monday.
Umpires’ Authority and Weather Conditions
According to ICC playing conditions, umpires have the authority to suspend play or prevent it from starting or resuming if they believe that ground conditions, weather, light, or any other circumstances pose a danger or are unreasonable. This decision is solely in the hands of the umpires, who may consult with the ICC Match Referee. In the case of the upcoming game, the air quality in Delhi will be evaluated in the context of weather conditions, and the match referee will be the final authority in determining whether it is safe to proceed. All eyes will be on Richie Richardson, who will play a crucial role in this decision come Monday.
Preparations of the Teams
Both Bangladesh and Sri Lanka have already been affected by the poor air quality in Delhi. They canceled practice sessions in the lead-up to the game. However, on Saturday, Shakib Al Hasan’s team did conduct a practice session, with coaching staff wearing masks as a precaution. The players practiced for about 2.5 hours. On Sunday, only eight Bangladesh players attended practice, as the team did not want to take any risk with members who have asthma.
Sri Lanka also has prior experience dealing with Delhi’s poor air quality. In 2017, during a Test match against India, Sri Lankan players had to wear face masks on the field due to severe air pollution. Some players even experienced health issues, including vomiting, prompting the use of oxygen cylinders in the change room. Nic Pothas, the Sri Lanka coach at the time, expressed his concerns, and he is now part of the Bangladesh camp as an assistant coach. Sri Lanka eventually practiced on Sunday, with the support staff taking precautions by wearing masks to safeguard against the polluted air.
As the cricket world eagerly awaits the match between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, the situation in Delhi continues to be a focal point of attention, with the safety and well-being of the players and officials taking precedence. The decision to proceed with the game will depend on the ongoing evaluation of air quality and weather conditions, with the aim of ensuring a safe and enjoyable cricketing experience for all involved.