The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially announced the relocation of the upcoming Test match between India and South Africa from Delhi to Kolkata. The change was made in light of escalating air pollution levels in the national capital, which are expected to deteriorate further during the winter season.
The Test match, initially planned for Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium in December, will now take place at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens. The BCCI stated that the decision was made after thorough discussions with the Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA) and a review of environmental data predicting hazardous air quality in Delhi during the scheduled period.
“Given the consistent air quality issues in Delhi during the winter months, we felt it was necessary to shift the venue to ensure the well-being of players and spectators,” a BCCI spokesperson noted.
Delhi has long struggled with severe pollution during the post-Diwali period, primarily due to stubble burning in nearby states, industrial emissions, and vehicular traffic. These conditions have previously disrupted sporting events. In 2017, for instance, an international cricket match saw players visibly struggling due to the thick smog, with some even requiring medical attention.
Eden Gardens, one of India’s most renowned cricket stadiums, will now host the match. The Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) has assured that preparations are underway to deliver a smooth and memorable experience for players and fans.
CAB President Snehasish Ganguly welcomed the decision and said, “We’re honored to host this Test and are fully committed to meeting all organizational requirements. Kolkata has always had a passionate fan base and we look forward to hosting a successful match.”
While many fans and stakeholders have supported the move for prioritizing health, some cricket enthusiasts in Delhi expressed disappointment. Nonetheless, the decision is being seen as a proactive step toward addressing the impact of environmental challenges on sports.
