World Cup 2023: Sri Lanka-Bangladesh Clash in Jeopardy Due to Severe Air Pollution in Delhi

New Delhi: The upcoming World Cup cricket match between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh in the national capital is in jeopardy due to severe air pollution. The deteriorating air quality has led to concerns about the players’ health and the possibility of the match being cancelled.

The air quality in the national capital has been consistently in the severe category, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) above 400 since Thursday. On Sunday, the AQI reached 457 according to the Central Pollution Control Board, and it is expected to remain severe until Tuesday.

Sri Lanka decided to stay indoors on Saturday, while Bangladesh, despite hazardous conditions, trained while wearing masks at the Feroz Shah Kotla. The teams have faced similar situations in the past, with Sri Lankan players using masks during a Test series in 2017 and Bangladesh cricketers doing the same in a T20 series in 2019, leading to respiratory issues and discomfort.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has stated that the decision on the match’s fate will be made on the game day after assessing the air quality. The ICC’s playing conditions allow the umpires to suspend or not start the match if they deem the conditions dangerous or unreasonable.

Bangladesh is already out of contention for the World Cup, while Sri Lanka’s semifinal hopes depend on mathematical possibilities. Sri Lanka holds a better position in the standings, ranking seventh out of 10 teams, and aims to qualify for the 2025 Champions Trophy in Pakistan.

Sri Lanka has a strong historical record against Bangladesh in One-day Internationals but suffered a recent defeat in a warm-up game. Both teams face challenges, with Sri Lanka struggling against strong opponents and injuries, while Bangladesh has had a forgettable tournament, losing six consecutive matches.

The match’s fate hangs in the balance as the teams prepare to take the field on Monday, with health and safety concerns taking precedence in the face of severe air pollution in the national capital.