BCCI shifts U23 matches to Mumbai due to Delhi pollution:Poor air quality forces remains concern with AQI still in 400 region

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to move the knockout stages of the annual men’s Under-23 ODI tournament from Delhi to Mumbai. This decision comes after air pollution levels in the national capital continued to worsen, reaching the ‘severe’ category. According to reports, the BCCI has orally requested the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) to be ready to host the matches from November 25 to December 1. Delhi’s air quality showed no signs of improvement this week. Data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) showed the Air Quality Index (AQI) touched 400 on Thursday, marking a dangerous level of pollution that poses health risks for both players and spectators. Forecasts also indicate that conditions may get worse in the coming days. Because of these concerns, the cricket board felt that continuing the tournament in Delhi could endanger players’ health. The decision aims to avoid match disruptions and ensure a safe playing environment. MCA Confirms BCCI Request, U-23 knockouts shift to Mumbai “We got a call from the BCCI today, informing us that the MCA has been allotted the under-23 one-day knockouts due to high air pollution in the capital. Cricket can’t be played in those conditions,” The Indian Express quoted an MCA source as saying. Also read: Shubman Gill seeks specialist’s opinion in Mumbai for neck injury: Indian Test captain released from squad ahead of Guwahati Test The last league-stage game of the tournament is scheduled for Friday, November 21, in Vadodara. Eight teams will compete in the knockout round, and an updated match schedule will soon be announced. Previous match relocations due to pollution This is not the first time the BCCI has shifted a match because of Delhi’s pollution concerns. Earlier this year, the cricket board moved the first Test between India and South Africa from Delhi to Kolkata after heavy criticism for hosting matches during peak pollution season. In another instance, the second Test between India and the West Indies was played in Delhi only after conditions improved in October. Also read: Shubman Gill ruled out, Pant to make red-ball captaincy debut: Barsapara Stadium to host first Test match in Guwahati; South Africa lead series 1-0 The 2017 Test Incident – IND vs SL The capital’s pollution and cricket controversies go back several years. In 2017, during a Test match between India and Sri Lanka, the AQI rose from 316 to 390. Several Sri Lankan players wore masks while fielding. The match had to be stopped for 17 minutes when pacer Lahiru Gamage complained of breathing difficulties. Suranga Lakmal also rushed off the field due to nausea and vomiting, and at one stage, the team had only 10 fit players available, with oxygen cylinders brought to the dressing room.