Mumbai's players were compelled to wear face masks to protect themselves from pollution caused by construction on the first day of their Ranji Trophy fixture against Delhi on Thursday (January 29).

Mumbai batter Sarfaraz Khan, his younger brother Musheer Khan and spinner Himanshu Singh were spotted donning face masks during the third session's play here at the MCA-BKC Ground.

According to a PTI report, the AQI (air quality index) hovered around 160 with the conditions being “unhealthy” as the players fought it out on the field. While pollution levels have remained high in the city, it is not common among players to sport face masks while playing.

However, a building construction site right next to the MCA-BKC Ground clearly worsen the situation on Thursday afternoon.

For about half-an-hour or so, the three Mumbai players put on face masks while fielding but got rid of them later on.

“There wasn't any banter (about it), but new (building) construction work is being carried out here and because of that the players were feeling the pollution and having issues in breathing, so they put those on,” said Mumbai pacer Mohit Avasthi when asked about the players wearing masks.

(With PTI Inputs)