NEW DELHI: Severe air pollution in India’s capital has prompted the country’s cricket board to relocate an international match scheduled for December, highlighting growing concerns over hazardous air quality in the megacity.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has moved the December 13 one-day international (ODI) between India and Sri Lanka from New Delhi to the southeastern coastal city of Visakhapatnam.
The board cited potential weather disruption and proposed renovation work at Delhi’s stadium as reasons for the decision.
The relocation comes as air pollution levels in New Delhi have surged sharply. Air-monitoring data showed pollution concentrations on Friday exceeding 25 times the World Health Organization’s recommended daily limit.
Toxic Air Threatens Public Health
New Delhi regularly experiences severe pollution during winter, when colder temperatures trap pollutants close to the ground, worsening air quality.
During peak pollution periods, concentrations of PM2.5, fine particulate matter capable of penetrating deep into the lungs, can exceed 800 micrograms per cubic metre.
That is more than 50 times the WHO’s recommended 24-hour guideline.
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The health consequences are significant. An analysis by Finland-based Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) estimated that air pollution was linked to 17,188 deaths in Delhi in 2023, accounting for nearly 15 per cent of the city’s total deaths.
Diwali Raises Further Pollution Concerns
Authorities also face concerns over a further deterioration in air quality during Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, when fireworks traditionally add to pollution levels.
The festival is expected to take place on Sunday, potentially worsening the already hazardous conditions.
The relocation of the cricket fixture comes amid continuing concerns over the impact of toxic air on public health and everyday activities in India’s capital.
While the BCCI cited weather conditions and stadium renovation work, the worsening pollution has renewed attention on the environmental challenges surrounding major sporting events in Delhi.
