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BCCI Likely To Shift India vs South Africa Test Match To Kolkata Due To Delhi Pollution

Soumyajit Dutta

Delhi's pollution forces BCCI to change decision [Source: @jaggatry1907/X]Delhi's pollution forces BCCI to change decision [Source: @jaggatry1907/X]

India will host a two-match Test series against South Africa in November, scheduled from November 14 to 26. However, according to a report from The Times of India, the first Test, originally planned to be held in Delhi, will now be played in Kolkata.

This venue change comes in light of the severe air pollution that affects Delhi every year around Diwali. During November, pollution levels in the national capital rise significantly due to the bursting of firecrackers and other environmental factors.

BCCI Choose Kolkata Over Delhi's Poor Air Quality

Keeping the health of players in mind, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to shift the first Test — scheduled for November 14 to 18 — to Kolkata's Eden Gardens. 

A BCCI source told TOI, “The match between India and South Africa from November 14 to 18 will now be played in Kolkata instead of Delhi, due to potentially high pollution levels. The BCCI prioritises the well-being of the players and their health, and a formal announcement regarding the venue swap will be made soon.”

To maintain balance in venue allocation, the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi will now host the second Test of the India vs West Indies series from October 10 to 14. That match was earlier set to be played at Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

Earlier, the BCCI defended its decision of scheduling the matches in November, stating it had acted based on its 'rotation policy'. It should be noted that regarding the pollution, in a past incident during the Delhi Test in December 2017, several Sri Lankan players wore masks due to poor air quality and reported serious health concerns too. 

Notably, medical experts have also warned that outdoor physical activity during Delhi's peak pollution period could have long-term health effects. Hence, BCCI's decision to swap venues seems to be apt.