Bangladesh cricketers wear masks to battle Delhi smog: Details here
What's the story
The Bangladesh cricket team was spotted wearing masks during an outdoor training session at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. Bangladesh are set to face hosts India in the first T20I here on Sunday. There was a thick blanket of smog all around as the Air Quality Index value continued to spike up. Here are further details.
Issues
Bangladesh team had a difficult time on Thursday
Liton Das was seen wearing a mask on Thursday and he told Hindustan Times, "Yes, sighting the ball was definitely a problem but I think under lights on Sunday it should be alright." Meanwhile, Bangladesh head coach Russell Domingo complained of breathing problems, burning eyes, and dizziness. Senior cricketer Mushfiqur Rahim pointed towards the sky multiple times to indicate he couldn't spot the ball.
Air quality
Cricketers suffering as Delhi air quality worsens
On Friday, more cricketers were spotted wearing masks in the their training session. Delhi's air quality has dipped to emergency levels and things have worsened. Earlier on Thursday, Hindustan Times reported that more masks were on the way. "It is up to the players, if they want to use the mask they can, it is their choice," a BCB source told ANI on Friday.
AQI
Air Quality Index value in Delhi is severe
The Air Quality Index (AQI) value in the national capital was hovering at 459 at 8 AM on Friday. The pollution levels have breached the 'severe+' zone since Thursday onwards. Anything above 400 is considered to be severe, which can cause serious health issues. Farm fires in Punjab and Haryana and the share of stubble burning have caused severe damage.
Ganguly
BCCI had decided to go ahead with the match
Earlier, BCCI president Sourav Ganguly stated the first T20I between India and Bangladesh in Delhi will go ahead as planned. There has been a lot of concern surrounding the air pollution in the capital. When ANI contacted the BCCI boss to ask whether the match in the national capital would take place, he replied: "Yes, it will".
Team India
Team India to train indoors ahead of Delhi T20I
Earlier, according to a report in Mumbai Mirror, keeping in mind the poor Air Quality Index, Team India players will be given the option to train in the gym alone after a look at the weather this weekend. Optional training session are expected on both the days as the conditions haven't improved. It remains to be seen how the training pans out.
Lanka
Sri Lanka faced the brunt of air pollution in 2017
Back in December 2017, the Sri Lankan cricket team was left gasping for breath during a Test match at the Kotla. One witnessed players wearing protective masks as some fell ill as well. The visibility was poor as smog engulfed the city. Three Lankan players vomited due to breathlessness on Day 2 of the Test match. The play was stopped twice due to smog.
Quote
Rohit Sharma confident about the match being played in Delhi
On Thursday, India's stand-in skipper Rohit Sharma too sounded confident about the match going ahead. "I have just landed and haven't had time to assess. As far as I know the game is to be played on November 3 and will be played," Rohit said.