The International Cricket Council (ICC) has made the decision to proceed with the scheduled Men's World Cup 2023 encounter between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, despite the concerning levels of pollution in the capital city.
This decision came after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) enlisted the expertise of the renowned Pulmonologist, Dr. Randeep Guleria, to address the Air Quality Index (AQI) concerns at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.
The situation in New Delhi had taken a precarious turn as AQI levels plunged to alarming depths, prompting both participating teams to cancel their pre-match practice sessions due to the debilitating air quality. Faced with mounting queries about the prudence of hosting the match in such adverse conditions, the BCCI sought the assistance of Dr. Guleria to devise a strategy.
Working under Dr. Guleria's expert guidance, the venue management took several remedial measures throughout the day. These included the strategic deployment of water sprinklers around the premises and the installation of air purifiers in the dressing rooms and areas designated for match officials. An ICC spokesperson revealed that, thanks to these efforts, the AQI within the stadium had decreased to levels considered acceptable by Dr. Guleria.
The spokesperson further disclosed that the ICC would maintain its collaboration with Dr. Guleria, the BCCI, the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA), and the Delhi Government to diligently monitor air quality and take any necessary actions to alleviate air quality concerns at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.
Despite the challenges posed by the air quality, the match is set to proceed as scheduled in Delhi on Monday, as affirmed by the ICC spokesperson. This decision reflects the concerted efforts to prioritize the safety and well-being of the players and officials involved in this significant cricketing event.
(With agency inputs)
