Picture Credit: Twitter
Sri Lanka cricket team cancelled their training session ahead of their forthcoming clash against Bangladesh in the ODI World Cup 2023. Due to excessive air pollution in the Indian capital city, New Delhi, the Islanders preferred calling off their practice session. Earlier, Bangladesh team, led by Shakib Al Hasan cancelled their training session due to the same reason. Notably, both South Asian countries will lock horns on November 6, Monday, at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi.
The pollution levels in the national capital city have been increasing, and for the second consecutive day, Delhi’s pollution was declared ‘severe’. The 24-hour average AQI (Air Quality Index) hit 475 at 11 am, and stayed above 450 till 5 pm on Friday, November 3. The forecasts by the government indicate that the AQI is likely to remain at ‘severe’ level till Monday.
ESPNcricinfo quoted an ICC spokesperson as saying, "The ICC and our hosts the BCCI take the well-being of all participants seriously and are monitoring the air quality in Delhi. We are taking expert advice to assess the situation."
Earlier, the Bangladesh cricket Team Director, Khaled Mahmud told ESPNcricinfo that the practice session was cancelled to safeguard their players. Mahmud was quoted as saying, “Due to worsening conditions, we didn't take the chance. We have two more training days. Some of us developed coughing, so there's a risk factor. We don't want to get sick. We don't know if things will improve, but we have training tomorrow. We want all the players to be fit for the important game coming up on November 6."
