The World Cup clash between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh in the national capital is under a cloud of uncertainty becaue of severe air pollution. The well-being of the players may take precedence over the contest, as a thick layer of toxic haze has once again blanketed the city.
Both the teams had to cancel their training sessions at least once due to the severe Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi.
On Saturday, Sri Lanka opted to remain indoors, while Bangladesh, wearing masks, bravely trained amidst hazardous conditions at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. The Bengal Tigers had to cancel their initial training session on Friday due to the poor air quality.
The AQI has consistently exceeded the 400-mark on a scale of 500 since Thursday, and the 'Air Quality Early Warning System' suggests it will likely remain in the 'severe' category until Tuesday. As of Sunday morning, the AQI stood at 457 according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has clarified that a decision regarding the fate of the match will only be made on the day of the game, when match officials assess the air quality on Monday.
Article 2.8 of ICC's playing conditions, says "If at any time the umpires together agree that the conditions of ground, weather or light, or any other circumstances are dangerous or unreasonable, they shall immediately suspend play, or not allow play to start or to recommence."
"The decision as to whether conditions are so bad as to warrant such action is one for the umpires alone to make, following consultation with the ICC Match Referee."
Both the teams have previously encountered such situations, as Sri Lankan players resorted to wearing masks during a Test series in 2017, and Bangladesh cricketers did the same during a T20 match in 2019. Back then, several Sri Lankan players experienced respiratory issues, with some even vomiting in the dressing room due to the hazardous conditions.
Currently, Bangladesh finds themselves out of contention, while Sri Lanka's hopes of making it to the semifinals hang by a thread, relying more on mathematical probabilities and luck than their performance.
Ranked ninth out of 10 teams, Bangladesh are playing for pride, while Sri Lanka are slightly better placed at seventh in the standings and aim to secure their position to qualify for the 2025 Champions Trophy in Pakistan.
1/6:Ben Stokes was seen using an inhaler during a practice session
<p><br />An alarming situation needs to be tackled in the ongoing World Cup series. England’s Ben Stokes was seen using an inhaler during a practice session ahead of the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup one-day international (ODI) match against Sri Lanka at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on October 25, 2023. <br /></p>TIMESOFINDIA.COM
2/6:Air quality in the national capital is worsening
<p><br />This draws attention to the poor air quality in Delhi currently. The overall Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 346, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). In several sectors in Noida, the AQI has reached the 'severe' category. Primary schools and non-essential construction work have been asked to stop considering the public health.<br /></p>Getty Images
3/6:Pollution is a major concern in other cities too
<p><br />While the Delhi government is tackling the pollution crisis by sprinkling water, a similar situation is seen in other major cities like Mumbai. This week, the Bombay High Court expressed concern over the poor air quality. "We are taking suo motu cognisance of the Air Quality Index. Every day AQI is deteriorating in every area. Not a single area remains in Mumbai. We will issue a notice and seek a reply, and then we will look at other municipal corporations," the bench, presided over by Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya and Justice Arif Doctor said.<br /></p>Getty Images
4/6:"It just felt like you couldn't get your breath"
<p><br />"It just felt like you couldn't get your breath. It was unique," England batter Joe Root said during a media briefing following a match with South Africa. "Who knows whether it was air quality? I am not qualified to know. It felt like quite a hazy day, wasn't it? And you could see that from one side of the ground looking back towards the sun, it was a lot harder visually than it was on the other side of the ground. Whether it was air quality or what, it was definitely an experience I've not had before," Root said. Air quality in Mumbai is also worse. <br /></p>Getty Images
5/6:Sri Lanka vs. Bangladesh is scheduled in Delhi this weekend
<p><br />Sri Lanka will take on Bangladesh on November 6 in the Arun Jaitley stadium. Air quality is worsening in the national capital and schools have been asked to remain closed till Saturday. Few years before players were asked to wear masks on the field while in Delhi. <br /></p>Getty Images
6/6:How to take care of yourself?
<p><br />In view of the severity of the pollutants, make sure to follow preventive measures. On days with extremely poor air quality or if you have respiratory conditions, consider wearing a mask rated N95 or higher when going outside. These masks can help filter out fine particulate matter.<br /><br />When air quality is poor, try to reduce your time spent outdoors, especially during high-pollution periods like rush hour or on days with poor air quality. If you need to exercise, try to do so indoors. Keep windows and doors closed when outdoor air quality is poor to minimize the entry of pollutants into your home or workplace. If you have respiratory conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), consult with your healthcare provider for a personalized plan to manage your condition during air pollution episodes.<br /></p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health-news/do-you-get-sleepy-at-work-after-having-lunch-it-may-be-due-to-this-condition/photostory/104910744.cms" class="on"><strong>Do you get sleepy at work after having lunch? It may be due to this condition</strong></a><br /></p>Getty ImagesIn 53 ODIs, Sri Lanka boast of a dominant 42-9 record against Bangladesh. However, the Tigers gained inspiration from a warm-up game victory over the islanders before the World Cup.
Sri Lanka enter this match after a nightmarish encounter with Indian pacers, who bundled them out for a mere 55 in a 302-run defeat. Kusal Mendis and his team must quickly regroup against a similarly wounded Bangladesh squad.
Injuries have been a concern for Sri Lanka, and they have also struggled against high-quality opponents, providing an opportunity for Bangladesh to exploit their weaknesses.
Sadeera Samarawickrama has been a standout performer for Sri Lanka in the tournament, complemented by occasional batting contributions from Pathum Nissanka and skipper Kusal Mendis, albeit lacking consistency. Sri Lankan pacers have been inconsistent, and the absence of key spinners has been a detriment to the team.
For Bangladesh, their World Cup campaign has been a forgettable one, with only one win against Afghanistan. A turbulent buildup and the lack of form among their players led to a sixth consecutive loss, making them the first team to be eliminated from the tournament after a defeat to Pakistan in their previous game. Their batting lineup has struggled to build partnerships, and their bowlers have failed to contain runs or take wickets, leaving captain Shakib Al Hasan searching for answers.
