After arranging for India and South Africa to play a Test match in Delhi from November 14–18, the BCCI has been under fire. Since November is when the national capital is most plagued by high levels of air pollution, and this has been the case in recent years, the Indian cricket board has come under fire for the scheduling.
Serious worries existed even before the Bangladesh vs. Sri Lanka match in the 2023 ODI World Cup, and the former even called off training sessions.
However, the BCCI has chosen to defend its choice to hold the match in Delhi in November, citing its "rotation policy" as the reason.
Speaking to the Indian Express, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia defended the decision and surprisingly stated that the “pollution issue doesn’t happen every year”. He said, “We have considered all factors and have gone by the rotation policy after discussing it with everyone. The pollution issue doesn't happen every year.”
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Two Bangladeshi players puked on the field during an ODI in November 2019, while some Sri Lankan players used masks during a Test match in Delhi in December 2017.
Two Ranji Trophy matches were also cancelled in November 2016 because of players experiencing headaches and eye burns.
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Speaking to the Indian Express, DDCA secretary Ashok Sharma said, “The DDCA will take all measures possible to ensure players are comfortable when they play the Test match. Also, the Arun Jaitley Stadium is located in a relatively open area with more green area around. So the air quality is better than in most other areas.”
“Delhi had not been allotted a Test match for a while. The BCCI allotted us the game, so we have to go by the calendar. In November, the pollution, if at all, is less compared to December,” he added.
