India is set to host a two-Test series against South Africa starting November 14 to 26. According to The Times of India, the first Test was supposed to happen in Delhi but will now take place in Kolkata. This change is attributable to the bad air pollution that besets Delhi every year around Diwali time. In November, pollution levels soar in the capital due to firecrackers and other environmental issues.
Keeping the players’ health in mind, the BCCI decided to shift the first Test scheduled from 14 to 18 November in Eden Gardens, Kolkata. A BCCI source told TOI, “The match will now be played in Kolkata instead of Delhi, due to high pollution levels. The BCCI cares about the well-being of the players, and we will make a formal announcement soon.”
To balance things out, the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi will now host the second Test of the India vs West Indies series from October 10 to 14, which was supposed to be at Eden Gardens.
Read Also:- When will Virat Kohli next play for India?
Earlier, BCCI had defended its decision to schedule matches for November by claiming it was following its rotation policy. It’s worth noting that a Test held in Delhi in December 2017 saw some Sri Lankan players having to wear masks because of the pollution, with serious health concerns. Medical experts have stated that playing outdoors during peak pollution in Delhi can cause long-term health damages, so the BCCI switch is.
