BCCI defends scheduling decision to host India vs South Africa Test in Delhi in November

India's apex cricket governing body BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) has defended its decision to schedule the first Test between India and South Africa in Delhi from November 14 to November 18, despite concerns over the city's air quality during that period. BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia assured that all factors, including pollution concerns, were considered before the schedule was finalised.

Delhi's air pollution has been a persistent issue, especially in November, with AQI levels often crossing hazardous limits. In past years, cricket matches in the city have been impacted due to poor air quality. Instances such as Sri Lankan players wearing masks during a Test match in 2017.

Not just that, Bangladesh players vomiting on the field in 2019 have raised questions about scheduling matches in Delhi during this time of the year. Saikia pointed out that the board follows a rotational policy when allotting matches and that pollution concerns do not arise every year.

"We have considered all factors and have gone by the rotation policy after discussing it with everyone. The pollution issue doesn’t happen every year," Saikia was quoted as saying by The Indian Express.

All possible measures will be taken to ensure players are comfortable: Ashok Sharma

The secretary of the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA), Ashok Sharma, echoed similar sentiments, mentioning that the Arun Jaitley Stadium is in an open area with better air quality than other parts of the city. He confirmed that all possible measures would be taken to ensure the players' comfort during the match.

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"All possible measures will be taken to ensure players are comfortable when they play the Test match. Also, the Arun Jaitley Stadium is located in a relatively open area with more greenery around, so the air quality is better than in most other areas. Delhi had not been allotted a Test match for a while. The BCCI allotted us the game, so we have to go by the calendar. In November, the pollution, if at all, is less compared to December," he said.

The air quality in Delhi has often deteriorated to alarming levels in November, primarily due to post-Diwali firecrackers, post-harvest stubble burning in neighbouring states, and weather conditions. On 18 November last year, Delhi's AQI reportedly hit a level of 999, with some international agencies recording even higher figures.

Over the years, multiple cricket matches in Delhi have faced disruptions. In 2016, two Ranji Trophy matches were cancelled due to poor air quality. The 2017 Test against Sri Lanka saw players using masks and experiencing breathing difficulties. In 2019, Bangladesh cricketers struggled with the conditions during an ODI.