BAN vs SL: Uncertainty looms over 38th match of ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 in Delhi due to pollution

BAN vs SL ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 match doubtful due increasing pollution in Delhi.

The dangerous level of air pollution in the national capital, Delhi, has put Sri Lanka and Bangladesh ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 clash in uncertainty. Delhi is facing a severe crisis due to air pollution, and most of the public places in the city are closed. The government has also ordered schools and colleges to remain shut for a few days and wait for the situation to recover. Sri Lanka and Bangladesh are scheduled to take on each other in the 38th match of ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 at the Arun Jaitley Cricket Stadium in Delhi on Monday (6th November).

The Air Quality Index (AQI) remains above 400 in Delhi for the third consecutive day as Bangladesh and Sri Lanka both opted out of the practice at least once in the last three days due to severe air pollution levels in the city. International Cricket Council (ICC) also clarified that the decision will only be made on the day of the game, when umpires and everyone else will assess the air quality on Monday, and then the decision will be taken.

What does ICC’s rule state ?

ICC rules and regulations also state that the decision will only be made by the umpires with consultation from the match referee. ICC’s playing conditions article 2.8 says, “If at any time the umpires together agree that the conditions of ground, weather or light, or any other circumstances are dangerous or unreasonable, they shall immediately suspend the play, or not allow play to start or to recommence. The decision is for the umpires to make in consultation with the match referee.”

Sri Lanka and Bangladesh had faced similar situations in their past tours to India. In 2017, several Sri Lankan players developed respiratory issues while playing a test match in Delhi. Several players vomited in the dressing room, and they had to resort to wearing masks during the action. Bangladesh players also had a similar encounter in 2019 in a T20I game, and players were seen wearing masks during their training as well as in the game.

Bangladesh are knocked out of the World Cup 2023 as they have earned only 2 points in 7 games, and Sri Lanka are also almost out of the semi-finals race with their poor performances. Sri Lanka have won only 2 games in their 7 league encounters. Team India bundled out Sri Lanka in just 55 runs in their last game at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. This game becomes important for keeping the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 qualification on target.

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