The Indian capital of New Delhi has been struggling with severe air pollution as the 2023 World Cup clash between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh looms on November 6.

Bangladesh and Sri Lanka will meet for a day-night match on November 6. While Bangladesh are already out of the race for the semi-finals, Sri Lanka’s chances are little more than theoretical.

However, a top-eight finish will ensure either side a berth at the 2025 Champions Trophy, in Pakistan, so there is much at stake.

How bad is the air quality in Delhi?

The AQI (Air Quality Index) in Delhi had reached 468 on Friday. For perspective, a reading of above 300 is considered ‘severe plus’ or ‘hazardous’. Here are the predictions for the match day.

Even on Sunday morning, the reading was 457, and was likely to remain “at severe levels” until at least Tuesday.

Accuweather: The AQI stands at 261 (‘dangerous’) less than an hour before the toss. “Any exposure to the air, even for a few minutes, can lead to serious health effects on everybody. Avoid outdoor activities,” reads the recommendation.

AQI.in: The AQI reading reads ‘severe’ 372. At the time of writing, the website put New Delhi as the third-most polluted Indian city, after Bhiwadi (445) and Rohtak (397), both less than a hundred kilometres from New Delhi.

What are the cricketers and administrators doing?

Cricketers of both countries skipped at least one practice session soon after landing in New Delhi. The Sri Lankan cricketers even practised in masks.

Meanwhile, the BCCI and the ICC have both reached out to experts for advice.

Can the match be called off?

Article 2.8.2 of ICC’s Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 Playing Conditions states: “If at any time the umpires together agree that the conditions of ground, weather or light, or any other circumstances are dangerous or unreasonable, they shall immediately suspend play, or not allow play to start or to recommence. The decision as to whether conditions are so bad as to warrant such action is one for the umpires alone to make, following consultation with the ICC Match Referee.”

In other words, if things go really wrong, it is within the power of the match officials to declare the match abandoned.

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