The upcoming Delhi T20I between India and Bangladesh is under the serious cloud due to the very poor air quality in Delhi in post-Diwali. Many have already raised their objection over this match. However, the Delhi T20I is likely to go on as per schedule.
Bangladesh will start the India tour with three-match T20I series. Arun Jaitley Stadium (Delhi) will host the opening T20I of this series on Sunday (3rd November) evening.
But in recent years, Delhi is struggling due to pollution. Especially, the Indian capital city has found trouble in post-Diwali condition.
Sri Lankan players found huge trouble in pollution during the Delhi Test in 2017. They were fielding by wearing the masks. The picture hasn’t changed this year too.
Delhi air-quality is running in very poor in post-Diwali condition. Even the Indian national cricket team may choose the indoor practice due to the pollution.
Recently, the environmentalists wrote a letter about this pollution issue to the newly-elected BCCI President Sourav Ganguly. They have requested to cancel this T20I and shift this game at another city.
Jyoti Pande (Care For Air) and Ravina Raj Kohli (My Right To Breathe) wrote, “In the light of extreme pollution in Delhi, we would like to request you to consider shifting the venue for the first T20 outside of Delhi. Making our cricketers play a physically demanding sport for 3-4 hours in Delhi’s toxic air will end up doing more damage to our cricket team’s health in the long run,”
DDCA members have assured about the Delhi T20I
The Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA) members have admitted to facing this objection letter. But they haven’t faced any words from the BCCI. So, the DDCA members feel that the Delhi T20I is not in any danger.
A DDCA official told Hindustan Times, “Yes we heard about the letter but there has been no such communication from BCCI’s end. In fact, we have been told to carry on with preparations for Sunday’s match. The broadcasters are set to arrive tomorrow (Thursday).”
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has recently claimed that they are trying everything to reduce pollution.
On the other hand, the online ticket sales for the Delhi T20I have started on Monday (28th October). On Wednesday (30th October), the ticket sales had a rapid growth.