Delhi gets SA Test in November as BCCI says ‘pollution doesn’t happen every year. ’ Avg AQI over 300

BCCI has scheduled a Test match against South Africa later this year in Delhi. It will be held between November 14 and 18. The capital becomes a gas chamber in the winter months.

Delhi gets a Test match after almost 3 years

Delhi is scheduled to get a Test match after almost 3 years. The last match was played between India and Australia in February 2023. India won the match comprehensively by 6 wickets. Now, another match is scheduled for the national capital for November this year. It will be played against South Africa.

Pollution in winters

North India has consistently faced the problem of air pollution over the last many years. Delhi, the national capital, is located in the heart of it. The city is often dubbed the most polluted city in the world during winter. In November, when the Test match is scheduled, the average AQI shoots to 328. The capital is ranked in the ‘very poor’ air category consistently during this period.

On the Air Quality Index (AQI), a reading of over 300 is considered “very poor” and over 400 “severe”. On November 18 last year, the AQI in Delhi was measured at 999. IQAir, a Swiss company that measures air quality, measured Delhi’s AQI on that day at 1600, according to the New York Times. It resulted in lockdown-like conditions. People were advised to leave home only in emergency.

Trouble in the past

Organising any sporting event in North India during winter brings trouble. India hosted Sri Lanka for a Test in Delhi in December 2017. The AQI shot up to 390 during the match. Sri Lankan pacer Lahiru Gamage suffered from respiratory problems, and the match had to be stopped for 17 minutes. Suranga Lakmal, too, faced nausea and threw up. Oxygen cylinders had to be rushed to the Sri Lankan dressing room.

Assurance from the authorities

Despite the past incidents, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia has told The Indian Express, “Pollution doesn’t happen every year”. DDCA secretary Ashok Sharma has assured too, saying, “The DDCA will take all measures possible to ensure players are comfortable when they play the Test match. Also, the Arun Jaitley Stadium is located in a relatively open area with more green area around. So the air quality is better than in most other areas.”

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