ICC World Cup 2023, Delhi Air Pollution: Only Eight Bangladesh Players Turn Up For Training, Asthmatic Players Excused

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The worsening Delhi air pollution brought bad name to India during the ICC World Cup 2023 once again after only eight of Bangladesh players showed up for training on the eve of their match against Sri Lanka at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.

Bangladesh coach Chandika Hathurusinghe confirmed later on that the players, who opted out of the training session, were asthmatic and decided not to risk their health due to the severe air pollution in the national capital. Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka is slated for 2 PM IST on Monday (November 6).

The development comes a day after both Bangladesh and Sri Lanka cancelled their training session. Earlier on Saturday evening, 13 Bangladesh players showed up for training. While the air quality index (AQI) in many parts of Delhi crossed 1000, the reading in the areas around the Arun Jaitley Stadium touched 500.

An emergency has already been declared in the capital with government closing the schools for the next two days while imposing restrictions on construction work and vehicle traffic .As per experts, ,the AQI level is expected to hit severe by November 7.

"Our doctor has kept a close eye on players. Some of the players didn't turn up for practice because they are asthmatic, so they stayed in indoors," coach Hathurusinghe said. "And even for practice, we're very conscious. We train what we have to train, and they go back into the dressing room. They don't spend time unless they're bowling or batting. We have taken some measures to minimise our exposure before the game."

Hathurusingh further added that while the team selection is unlikely to be impacted by Delhi Air Pollution but is wary of the long-term effects of playing in such severe conditions.

"We need to practice and still be careful about the long-term effect of these conditions," he said. "Air quality is affecting both teams. It is not ideal. But we have no choice. We have to play in the conditions that's in front of us."

"The team selection won't depend on air quality. It will depend on conditions, our strength and opposition."

According to the ICC's guidelines on air quality, AQI reading of below 200 is considered safe to play but a higher AQI is not advisable for the players. However, these are just guidelines and doesn't necessarily halts play unless the organisers deem so.