Ranji Trophy 2018/19: Despite Pollution in Delhi, Matches to Go on, Clarifies BCCI

Perhaps, Delhi would be the perfect example of what pollution can do to the people. The heavy pollution in Delhi prompted people to go out with the masks, as the necessary measure. Meanwhile, the domestic cricketers are facing a tough time playing in Delhi during the Ranji Trophy 2018/19 as well. However, the BCCI is in no mood to change the venue.

Recently, the players have raised their concerns on the Delhi pollutions to BCCI. They have requested to change the venue out of Delhi until the weather improves a bit compared to the current situation. During the course, players are playing with a mask as well.

It is not possible to change the venue – BCCI

However, BCCI officials are not interested in altering the venue despite the problems being faced by the cricketers. They quoted it is impossible at this period of schedule to make a change.

The BCCI, in their explanation, cited the different age groups are playing in various tournaments that come under the respective board. In a case of changing the venue, there would be a heck of the task for BCCI to alter the schedule of whole age groups, which won’t be possible technically in the limited period of the time.

“We have read reports of Delhi pollution and also seen how players are wearing masks but we cannot shift games out of Delhi at this stage. Last year, it was during end November and this time is early. So, there is no definite period of one month if we have to shift games,” the BCCI official quoted.

”Also, this season there are so many games, so many age groups, to shift one game means shifting all games. At this stage, it’s not possible. Also what is the guarantee that teams playing in NCR like Haryana and UP don’t ask for similar action? So it’s not feasible for us,” a BCCI official told to Wah Cricket.

Currently, Railways are playing their Ranji Trophy match against Mumbai while Delhi under 23 is playing against Baroda at Feroz Shah Kotla. Meanwhile, Delhi players have got no other option rather than practising in the adverse weather.

However, it is pretty ordinary stuff from the Indian board, as the player health is the primary concern for any respective cricket board. Meanwhile, the Pollution Watch Board had already sent an alert asking the Delhi citizens to not even go out for the jog in the morning as well. It would be interesting to see how BCCI cope up with it.