The continuously increasing pollution level in Delhi has once again affected sports activities. The Board of Control for Cricket in India has shifted the men’s Under-23 ODI tournament from Delhi to Mumbai after the air quality index in the national capital reached ‘severe’ category. This tournament was to be held in Delhi from 25th November to 1st December, but after the situation deteriorated, BCCI has handed over the responsibility of organizing the event to Mumbai Cricket Association. The board also clarified that playing cricket in Delhi in the current circumstances is not safe for the health of the players.

The pollution level in Delhi has increased rapidly in the last few days. According to the data of Central Pollution Control Board, AQI crossed 400 on Thursday, after which it has been registered in ‘severe’ category. According to the forecast of the Meteorological Department and the Ministry of Geology, there is no sign of improvement in the next few days, rather the pollution may remain in ‘very bad’ to ‘severe’ condition.

This situation is reminding cricket lovers of that match eight years ago, when during the Test match played between India and Sri Lanka in Delhi in 2017, many players had to come on the field wearing masks. At that time the players were constantly having trouble breathing and the match had to be stopped for some time. Now once again the same situation seems to be returning, where pollution has directly affected cricket.

Giving priority to the safety of the players, this step of BCCI shows the seriousness of pollution. According to experts, if the situation does not improve soon, sports events in Delhi may be further affected in the coming months. This increasing level of pollution in the capital has become a matter of concern not only for the common people but also for the sports world.