World Cup 2023: BCCI bans display of fireworks in Delhi and Mumbai games due to worsening air pollution
World Cup 2023: The surge in air pollution in several states of India especially, Delhi and Punjab exceeds its hazardous levels and is causing side effects such as eye irritation, coughing, wheezing, lung problems, bronchiolitis, bronchitis, bronchial asthma, and pneumonia.
It is to be believed an upward trend in the incidents of farm fires across states can be one of the reasons of surge in air pollution.
Acknowledging the urgent concern surrounding air quality in both Mumbai and New Delhi with air quality index in 'very poor' category, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) take environmental stand and banned display of fireworks in Delhi and Mumbai due to worsening air quality in the two mega cities.
The significant decision has been taken ahead of Bangladesh-Sri Lanka game on November 6 in Delhi and Mumbai scheduled to host two more league games, on November 2 and November 7, and the semifinal on November 15.
In a statement, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Secretary Jay Shah emphasised on the battling alarming levels of air pollution in Delhi and Mumbai and stated that the apex body of Indian cricket is sensitive to environmental concerns for which they took the matter to ICC and decided that there won't be any fireworks at Wankhede Stadium to keep a check on the pollution.
He added that BCCI is committed to combating environmental issues and will always place the interest of the fans and stakeholders at the forefront.
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"BCCI is sensitive to environmental concerns. I took up the matter formally with the ICC and there won't be any fireworks display in Mumbai, which can add to the pollution level. The Board is committed to combating environmental issues and will always place the interest of our fans and stakeholders at the forefront," Jay Shah said.
“BCCI is sensitive to environmental concerns. I took up the matter formally with the ICC and there won’t be any fireworks display in Mumbai, which can add to the pollution level. The Board is committed to combating environmental issues and will always place the interest of our… pic.twitter.com/G0ONkjB5la — ANI (@ANI) November 1, 2023
The BCCI acknowledges the urgent concern surrounding air quality in both Mumbai and New Delhi. While we strive to host the ICC World Cup in a manner befitting the celebration of cricket, we remain steadfast in our commitment to prioritising the health and safety of all our stakeholders," he concluded.
Notably, India is scheduled to play its next match against Sri Lanka on Thursday at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
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India stand at the top of the table in the ICC World Cup having won all six matches played so far. South Africa, New Zealand and Australia follow. Defending Champions England are at the bottom of the table.
- With inputs from agencies
