Latest Update: Shadow of pollution in Sri Lanka-Bangladesh match, will the match be cancelled?

The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi-NCR has reached the very severe category. Now its impact is visible on the World Cup matches also. Amidst the threat to the Sri Lanka-Bangladesh World Cup match on Monday due to air pollution, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has sought advice from renowned respiratory disease specialist Randeep Guleria to ensure that the game goes on as scheduled.

There is uncertainty regarding Bangladesh’s match against Sri Lanka, as a thick layer of poisonous smog has covered Delhi for the last four days. In view of this serious situation, the government has implemented Graded Response Action Plan-4 (GRAP-4). The AQI is likely to remain in the severe category till at least Tuesday.

Decision on the match will be taken on Monday

The decision will be taken by the match officials on Monday. In view of pollution, ICC has installed water sprinklers and air purifiers in the dressing rooms. An ICC spokesperson told PTI, ‘BCCI has consulted renowned respiratory disease specialist Dr Randeep Guleria to assess the situation in Delhi ahead of Monday’s match. Under the guidance of Dr. Guleria, the venue team continued carrying out relief work throughout the day. Which includes sprinkling water around the complex, installing air purifiers in the dressing rooms and match officials’ areas.

Sri Lanka did not practice

The Sri Lankan team was to practice on Saturday before the match, but due to pollution, Sri Lanka decided not to practice in the open. Bangladesh practiced wearing masks in the evening. Bangladesh had canceled their opening practice session on Friday due to air pollution.

When the match was played wearing a mask

This is not the first time that a match is being held under such circumstances in the national capital. Sri Lankan players had to play wearing masks during the Test match against India in 2017. Bangladesh cricketers also did the same in a T20 in 2019. At that time many Sri Lankan players suffered respiratory problems, while some even vomited in the dressing room due to the dangerous conditions.