ODI World Cup 2023: Air quality crisis threatens Bangladesh vs. Sri Lanka clash

The ODI World Cup 2023, a cricketing extravaganza that has captured the world’s attention, is currently facing an unexpected adversary – air pollution. Match 38, pitting Sri Lanka against Bangladesh, scheduled for November 6, is at risk of being abandoned due to the deteriorating air quality in Delhi. This article sheds light on the concerning situation and its potential implications for the tournament.

Year after year, the citizens of Delhi endure the relentless menace of air pollution, with promises of improvement for the future often falling short. Unfortunately, the story remains the same in 2023. The capital’s air is besieged by pollutants, aerosols, and harmful particles, raising serious health concerns. The severity of Delhi’s pollution crisis has reached such a level that it may lead to the abandonment of a World Cup match.

In preparation for their World Cup match against Sri Lanka, the Bangladesh team had arrived in Delhi. Their initial plans included three training sessions at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, with the first scheduled for Friday evening. However, a critical turning point occurred when Delhi declared an air emergency as the air quality index exceeded 400 in various areas of the city. The government responded by closing schools for two days and imposing restrictions on construction and vehicular traffic.

With the deteriorating air quality in mind and to safeguard their players, Bangladesh was forced to reschedule their training sessions. The threat to player health and well-being is too significant to ignore, especially with the impending match against Sri Lanka.

Uncertainty Surrounding the Match!

The upcoming fixture between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka on November 6 has limited significance for either team, as Bangladesh is already out of the tournament, and Sri Lanka’s chances are slim. Nevertheless, both teams are eager to make the most of their remaining games. However, there are growing concerns about the match’s possible cancellation due to the hazardous air quality in Delhi.

The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi now registers between 300 and 500, indicating an unhealthy atmosphere for both players and spectators. Health experts are alarmed by the increasing pollution levels and their potential impact on the players’ respiratory health. Additionally, the dense smog that blankets Delhi’s skyline poses visibility challenges, especially in a game involving a white ball. The slow dissipation of heavy smog could lead to delays in starting the match.

Area-specific AQI figures from the preceding Friday painted a grim picture: Pusa – 444, Delhi Airport area – 456, Rohini – 444, and Old Delhi – 431. If similar levels persist on Monday, the match hangs in uncertainty.

Any complaints from players or officials about breathing difficulties could prompt the immediate termination of the game. Therefore, the likelihood of the match’s abandonment is high, given the prevailing air quality conditions in Delhi. In the unfortunate event of a match cancellation, both teams will receive a single point, which could seal Sri Lanka’s exit from the tournament.

The ODI World Cup 2023 has encountered an unprecedented challenge in the form of air pollution in Delhi. The safety and well-being of players and officials must take precedence, and the threat of match abandonment looms large. This unforeseen crisis reminds us of the urgent need to address air pollution not only for cricket but also for the health and welfare of Delhi’s residents.