Published 18:19 IST, October 28th 2019
BCCI taking Delhi pollution 'seriously' but won't shift T20 venue
BCCI has ruled out any possibility of shifting out the venue of India's first T20 match against Bangladesh at the eleventh hour which will be held in Delhi
Notwithstanding taking a "serious note" of the deteriorating air pollution index of Delhi post-Diwali, the BCCI has ruled out any possibility of shifting out the venue of India's first T20 match against Bangladesh at the "eleventh hour." The match will be held as scheduled at Arun Jaitley Stadium (Feroz Shah Kotla) on November 3 (Sunday) as the Board was contemplating taking all measures with various agencies to put down the pollution level.
'Matter of serious concern'
"Yes, its a matter of serious concern. The pollution level is very high. But we have taken permission from Delhi Pollution Control Committee and they gave us Sunday as a clear day so we have decided to fix the venue after their consultation. We just have to see how the present level can be brought down. We are in talks with local bodies. But the shifting of the venue was never on. There was no time for it and logistics won't have permitted such a shift. Pollution level is lower than the previous years' post-Diwali but yes, its still very high," BCCI treasurer Arun Dhumal told Republic TV in a telephonic conversation.
When asked whether the dates could be changed, the BCCI official said that at this stage it was not advisable keeping all factors in mind. "The fact that the match is only 20 overs each is a matter of relief. We have seen ODI happening in extremely polluted conditions in Delhi in the past, Ranji Trophy matches happening with players wearing a mask. I don't think such a situation will arise on Nov 3 which is also a Sunday," he noted.
The Ind-SL home series in December 2017
Two years back in December 2017, the Sri Lankan team wore a mask while fielding during the Test match at the same venue. The AQI in Delhi on Monday morning was above 400 which means it's in "very bad" category. It, however, is expected to fall significantly by the weekend.
Updated 19:10 IST, October 28th 2019