Despite growing concerns over severe air pollution in Delhi NCR, India skipper Rohit Sharma has ensured BCCI president Sourav Ganguly that his team is ready to play the T20I series opener against Bangladesh at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Sunday (November 3).
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Amid the poor Air Quality Index (AQI), Indian players practised on Friday (November 1) afternoon while the visitors and their support staff wore anti-pollution masks during the fielding session in the morning.
"The BCCI president called the team to check on its well being. Sourav Ganguly had a discussion with stand-in skipper Rohit Sharma on how the team is coping up with the situation. Indian captain has confirmed that the team was fine and had a full outdoor training session without any issue," a BCCI source told PTI on conditions of anonymity.
Meanwhile, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has suggested the Delhi and Districts Cricket Association (DDCA) to "wash trees inside the Feroz Shah Kotla premises" and "track polluting items within its 2 km radius" prior to the game.
"DDCA has been advised to wash the trees inside the (Kotla) stadium so that the dust doesn't flow. DDCA was also asked to survey the area of about two kilometres around the stadium and if any polluting items such as construction material, burning garbage etc is found, it is to be reported to CPCB . They will ensure immediate action," the official added.
On Friday, Delhi’s overall air quality index (AQI) was 504 at 3:30 am but by 4 pm it was recorded at 484 in the 'severe' category, according to official data. The dreadful situation prompted authorities to shut schools till November 5, ban all construction activities and declare a "public health emergency".
Bangladeshi cricketers Al Amin, Abu Hider Rony and team's spin consultant Daniel Vettori were seen wearing masks during their fielding session. With some improvement in the situation, the players removed their masks barring Vettori and other non-Bangladeshi coaching staff.
"It's only three hours so it's going to be easy. There maybe scratchy eyes, sore throat but that's ok. No one is dying," Bangladesh head coach Russell Domingo said.
(With PTI inputs)
