India and South Africa are set to play a Test in Delhi in November this year.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) defended its decision to host an India-South Africa Test match in Delhi in November, claiming that pollution problems do not arise yearly.
The remark follows criticism for scheduling matches during a time when air quality in the capital frequently deteriorates.
The match is scheduled to take place from November 14 to 18. For the past few years, the national capital has suffered from a severe air pollution crisis throughout the winter months. The Air Quality Index (AQI) for Delhi on November 18, 2024, was 999. Anything above 400 on the AQI reading is deemed "severe".
As a result, the state government was forced to advise to close schools; nevertheless, the BCCI believes this will not happen again, and the Test match will go ahead as planned.
“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.
Ashok Sharma, secretary of the Delhi and Districts Cricket Association (DDCA), stated that the air pollution condition will improve in November 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.
In 2016, two Ranji Trophy matches were cancelled in Delhi due to poor air quality. Then, during a Test between India and Sri Lanka in December 2017, Sri Lankan players were seen sporting masks.
In November 2019, Bangladesh players were spotted trying to cope with air pollution, with two vomiting on the pitch during an ODI.
Even during the 2023 ODI World Cup, Bangladesh halted training sessions ahead of the November 6 match against Sri Lanka in Delhi.