BCCI gives green light for T20 in Delhi amid worrying pollution levels

Board of Control of Cricket in India (BCCI) has given a go-ahead for first T20 game between India and Bangladesh scheduled to be played at Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi amid worrying pollution levels in city. quality of air in nation's capital reached hazardous levels after festival of Diwali following which multiple pleas were made to Board to shift venue. BCCI, however, has decided to stick to its plan and has given a green light for match to take place as scheduled in Delhi. Questions are continued to be posed to BCCI as to how players will be able to play a complete 40-over contest as Bangladesh players were seen training at Arun Jaitley Stadium wearing masks to protect mselves from polluted air. 

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Bangladesh players wear masks as y train in Delhi

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Bishan Bedi voices concerns over game in Delhi

Former Indian cricketer Bishan Bedi voiced concerns over first T20 being held at Kotla in Delhi amid 'hazardous air quality' in nation's capital. Bangladesh is scheduled to take on India in first T20 at Arun Jaitley Stadium on vember 3. Bishan Bedi took to Twitter to express his concerns and said that thought should be spared for Indian and Bangladeshi cricketers who were set to play in Delhi. Bishan Bedi urged people to accept man-made fatalities with nature and questioned if a polluted city like Delhi deserved any sporting event at all. 

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BCCI won't shift venue

twithstanding taking a "serious te" of deteriorating air pollution index of Delhi post-Diwali, BCCI has ruled out any possibility of shifting out venue of India's first T20 match against Bangladesh at "eleventh hour." match will be held as scheduled at Arun Jaitley Stadium (Feroz Shah Kotla) on vember 3 (Sunday) as Board was contemplating taking all measures with various ncies to put down pollution level.

"Yes, its a matter of serious concern. pollution level is very high. But we have taken permission from Delhi Pollution Control Committee and y gave us Sunday as a clear day so we have decided to fix venue after ir consultation. We just have to see how present level can be brought down. We are in talks with local bodies. But shifting of venue was never on. re was time for it and logistics won't have permitted such a shift. Pollution level is lower than previous years' post-Diwali but yes, its still very high," BCCI treasurer Arun Dhumal told Republic TV in a telephonic conversation.

When asked wher dates could be changed, BCCI official said that at this st it was t advisable keeping all factors in mind. " fact that match is only 20 overs each is a matter of relief. We have seen ODI happening in extremely polluted conditions in Delhi in past, Ranji Trophy matches happening with players wearing a mask. I don't think such a situation will arise on v 3 which is also a Sunday," he ted.

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