'Thinking about getting more masks': Bangladesh team struggle to cope with Delhi smog

With the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi set to host the first T20I series clash between India and Bangladesh on November 3, many are criticizing keeping the match in the capital as the city's air quality is deteriorating after the Diwali celebrations.

All eyes were on Bangladesh's Liton Das on Thursday afternoon when he was wearing a bluish-white mask during the team’s first training session ahead of the series-opening.

However, Liton, after the training session told HindustanTimes, “It’s my personal problem. I was not feeling well then”.

He later added, “Yes, sighting the ball was definitely a problem but I think under lights on Sunday it should be alright”.

But knowing the condition of the city's air quality, the Bangladesh team management is considering to arrange more masks for the rest of the team.

“Yes, we are thinking about getting more masks,” said a Bangladesh team source. A thick blanket of smog covered the ground and entire Delhi on Thursday afternoon. 

The Air Quality Index (AQI) around the Arun Jaitely Stadium during the training session was touching 400 - which is the optimum range of the ‘very poor’ category (AQI 300-400). 

If the number had risen even a little more, it would have entered the ‘severe’ range, under which it is advisable not to indulge in any strenuous physical activity.

The discomfort among the Bangladesh cricketers was visible as even their head coach Russell Domingo, complained of breathing problems, burning eyes, and dizziness. 

“Our coach did not feel well. He said his eyes were burning and he was finding it hard to even breathe because of the lack of clean air,” said a Bangladesh team member according to HindustanTimes.

BCCI received alarm bells from various quarters but BCCI decided to go ahead with the match as newly elected president Sourav Ganguly pointed out that it was too late to change the venue.

“I spoke to the groundsman in Delhi. He said once the sun comes out everything will be fine. He was my groundsman in Delhi Capitals,” Ganguly said.

“We came in on October 28 and it was too late to do anything, Lot of preparation go in matches. I hope it goes through. Post-Diwali is a difficult time in the North. There is smoke and dust and everything, in future when we schedule matches in North at this time of the year, we have to be a bit more practical,” added Ganguly.

India stand-in captain Rohit Sharma also sounded confident and said, “I have just landed and haven’t had time to assess. As far as I know, the game is to be played on November 3 and will be played”.