SL vs BAN: Air Pollution Threat Looms Large Over Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh Clash As Both Teams Object To Playing In Delhi

The alarming level of air pollution in Delhi is looming large as a threat ahead of the game between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka in the ongoing ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023. The Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh match is scheduled to take place at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Monday (November 6).

On Friday (November 3), Shakib Al Hasan and his teammates were forced to cancel the training session due to air pollution. And things are showing very little signs of improvement as of now. The AQI (Air Quality Index) is already in the severe category and is gradually increasing. Earlier this week, it even touched the highly alarming 500 mark in some areas of Delhi.

#Delhi's air quality remains severe. Places like Anand Vihar recorded an AQI of 448, #Jahangirpuri at 421, #Dwarka Sector-8 at 435, and IGI Airport at 421. In #Noida's sector 116, the AQI reached 426. #Skymet #AirQuality #AQI #Pollution pic.twitter.com/aMumARfmCl

— Skymet (@SkymetWeather) November 4, 2023

And the prevailing condition could have a big impact on the game. According to a report in CricketNext, Sri Lanka have objected to playing in Delhi due to the pollution level. The BCCI and ICC, however, have maintained that the match will go ahead as scheduled and there are still no talks of the game being shifted to another venue.

“There was a virtual meeting attended by Sri Lanka officials for the team’s security arrangement in the capital where they raised the issue of pollution and objected to playing in the capital,” a source told the news outlet.

Responding to the conditions in Delhi, an ICC official said: “Yes, we are aware that the situation is bad but it will be a nightmare to shift the match at this stage. There has been some noise from both camps regarding the playing conditions but no talk of shifting the match or exploring another venue is being done at this stage.”

Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh game unlikely to be shifted:

The report further added while there are murmurs doing the rounds about the game possibly moving to Lucknow but the BCCI has not taken a final call yet. The BCCI as well as the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) are currently employing a wait and watch approach.

“Let’s see how the next two days are. We need to wait and watch as of now,” a BCCI official.

On the other hand, a DDCA official said: “Dono teams ne objection to kiya hai but let’s wait and watch. Too early to say anything right now. Tickets have been sold, and all arrangements have been made. Bangladesh are already here and have a practice session scheduled for tomorrow evening too.”

Meanwhile, Delhi governor VK Saxena has urged the public to remain indoors as far as possible and avoid unnecessary travel. He has also asked the public to use public transport in order to combat the rising pollution. In such a scenario where people are being asked to stay indoors, it won’t be very surprising if Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh is called off or shifted to a different venue.