Bangladesh play Sri Lanka in ‘very unhealthy’ air

The Men’s Cricket World Cup match between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka in Delhi went ahead as planned despite poor air quality.

Both teams raised questions over the safety of playing the fixture with the International Cricket Council (ICC).

Bangladesh and Sri Lanka cancelled training sessions before the match.

While Bangladesh did manage to train over the weekend, asthmatic players were left out as the Indian capital topped a real-time list of the world’s most polluted cities compiled by IQAir.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) warns against any outdoor activities when the AQI goes over 300, which is deemed “hazardous”.

But independent checks deemed the match safe to take place and mitigating actions have been put in place to make the conditions as safe as possible.

They include the implementation of water sprinklers around the premises and the installation of air purifiers in the dressing rooms and match officials areas.

Organisers said: “The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) engaged the services of renowned Pulmonologist Dr Randeep Guleria to assess the situation in Delhi ahead of Monday’s game and provide independent expert advice.

“The AQI within the stadium was monitored throughout the day, which has reduced to levels considered acceptable by Dr Guleria.”

Delhi’s air quality at times reached close to the worst possible level of 500 last week. By comparison, London’s AQI was 21 on Monday.

Officials said a seasonal combination of lower temperatures, a lack of wind and crop stubble burning in neighbouring farm states caused a spike in air pollution.

Construction work has been banned, as well as the entry of trucks and heavy vehicles, while primary schools are shut until Friday.