Delhi Air Pollution: Sri Lanka, Bangladesh Cancel Training Session Ahead Of World Cup Faceoff

Delhi Air Pollution: The Sri Lanka men’s cricket team opted to cancel their training session in Delhi on Saturday (Nov 4) in preparation for their World Cup match against Bangladesh at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. This decision was based on medical advice, as it was deemed unhealthy to practise outdoors due to the severe pollution currently engulfing the national capital as per a Reuters report.

Sri Lanka are set to face subcontinent rivals Bangladesh on Monday (November 6) but the pollution in Delhi may pose a significant obstacle to the match taking place. The air quality index (AQI) for the capital has consistently remained above 400 for the past few days and is expected to persist in this state until the following Tuesday.

The cancellation of the Sri Lankan team’s practice session came a day after the Bangladesh cricket team made a similar decision.

“Due to worsening conditions, we didn’t take the chance. We have two more training days. Some of us developed coughing, so there’s a risk factor. We don’t want to get sick,” stated Bangladesh team director Khaled Mahmud as quoted in an ESPNCricinfo report.

Notably, the Bangladesh team had another practice session scheduled for 6 pm on Saturday, but given the pollution levels, it appears highly unlikely that it will proceed.

“We don’t know if things will improve, but we have training tomorrow. We want all the players to be fit for the important game coming up on November 6,” added Mahmud.

BAN vs SL Play Could Be Called Off If Conditions Are Deemed Unfit For Playing: Report

According to reports, on match day, officials will treat air pollution just like any other weather condition. This means that play could be called off if the conditions are deemed unfit for playing, and the health of the players is at risk.

The Sri Lanka vs. Bangladesh match is the last one in Delhi in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 before the tournament shifts to the knockout stage. While Bangladesh have already been eliminated from the tournament, Sri Lanka remain on the brink, especially after their heavy defeat to the Indian side earlier in the week.

Sri Lanka were bowled out for a mere 55 runs while chasing a target of 358. Therefore, if the match is cancelled in the extreme case, it won’t significantly impact either team’s chances in the World Cup. However, with a spot in the 2025 Champions Trophy at stake, both teams would hope for the match to proceed.