Explained: Why BAN vs SL CWC 2023 match is being played in Delhi despite severe pollution

BAN vs SL: Bangladesh won the toss and opted to field first in match 38 of CWC 2023.

Sri Lanka and Bangladesh are clashing in the 38th match of the CWC 2023 being played at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. However, this encounter was in jeopardy due to severe air pollution in the Indian capital city.

Delhi has been engulfed in dense smog thanks to pollution from vehicles and the stubble burning in the neighboring state of Punjab. Both the Sri Lankan and Bangladesh teams had to cancel their training session in the ground owing to difficulties in breathing and asthma-like conditions.

The AQI in Delhi has been above the 400 mark since Thursday and according to the Air Quality Early Warning System, it is likely to remain ‘severe’ till Tuesday. On Sunday morning, the AQI stood at 457 according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

In terms of the match, Bangladesh are already out of the race for the semis, while Sri Lanka’s semifinal hopes are hanging by a thread, relying on mathematics and luck rather than performance.

Bangladesh are ranked ninth out of ten teams and is fighting for pride, while Sri Lanka are ranked seventh and will try to maintain their position in order to qualify for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan.

ICC releases statement that BCCI consulted a renowned Pulmonologist before going ahead with SL v BAN match in Delhi

The International Cricket Council (ICC) had waited until match day to confirm whether the match would take place. Prior to the match, the global cricketing organization opted to hold the game as planned.

The ICC has now informed that the situation has been examined by a prominent pulmonologist, and precautionary measures have been taken to hold the match at the Arun Jaitley Stadium as scheduled.

“The BCCI engaged the services of renowned Pulmonologist Dr Randeep Guleria to assess the situation in Delhi ahead of Monday’s game and provide independent expert advice. Under Dr Guleria’s guidance, the venue team has been taking mitigating actions throughout the day including the implementation of water sprinklers around the premises and the installation of air purifiers in the dressing rooms and match officials areas. The AQI within the stadium was monitored throughout the day which has reduced to levels considered acceptable by Dr Guleria,” said ICC as quoted by Cricbuzz.

“The ICC will continue to work in collaboration with Dr Guleria, BCCI, DDCA, and the Delhi Government to monitor the air quality and to take all possible steps to mitigate the air quality concerns at the Arun Jaitley Stadium and the match remains scheduled to take place in Delhi on Monday,” the quote added.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh won the toss against Sri Lanka and decided to bowl first.

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