The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has backtracked from its decision of hosting a Test match at Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi during the month of November. For the uninformed, air pollution is a major talking point in Delhi during winter. The AQI (Air Quality Index) of 0-100 is considered normal. But in Delhi, during the month of November 2024, it had reached 795.
BCCI changes Delhi Test date due to pollution
Despite knowing all of this, the BCCI had gone ahead with hosting a Test match between India and South Africa from November 14 to 18 in Delhi. BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia had claimed that ‘the pollution issue doesn’t happen every year’ when asked about it.
Well, the board doesn’t think that anymore. They have addressed the issue, and now the India vs South Africa 1st Test will be played at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. And the India vs West Indies 2nd Test will be played in Delhi instead of Kolkata.
“The Arun Jaitley in Delhi will now hold the second Test between India and West Indies between Oct 10-14, which was originally supposed to be held at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Kolkata, meanwhile, will now hold the first Test between India and South Africa from Nov 14-18,” a BCCI source told the Times of India.
Danger of winter sports in Delhi
Back in December 2017, Sri Lanka players didn’t want to take the field during a Test match in Delhi. When forced to continue, they took the field wearing masks. They were chided by commentators but when they puked on the field, everyone realised how serious the issue was for players.
Medical experts have even stated that any outdoor activity during the winter in Delhi could have long-lasting negative effects on one’s health due to the pollution. Keeping this in mind, the BCCI has moved the Test match up to October.
“This has been done to avoid the players from being affected by possibly high pollution levels at that time of the year. The BCCI prioritises the welfare and well-being of the players and their health at all times. A formal announcement regarding this swap will be made in the next couple of days,” the source added.
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