Sri Lanka cancel practice for toxic Delhi air after Bangladesh
New Delhi
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The toxic cloud in New Delhi prompted Sri Lanka to abandon their Saturday training session, delaying their preparations for Monday's World Cup match against Bangladesh in the extremely polluted Indian city.
On Friday, New Delhi topped a real-time list of the world's most polluted cities compiled by Swiss organization IQAir, which rated the city's air quality index (AQI) as "hazardous" at 640.
Bangladesh canceled their training on Friday due to the hazardous smog that has shrouded the city and forced the closure of certain schools as the AQI fell.
The governing body of Indian cricket (BCCI) has previously prohibited the usage of fireworks in post-match celebrations in New Delhi and Mumbai.
The International Cricket Council (ICC), which governs the sport, said it was following the situation in New Delhi.
"We are currently assessing the situation," an ICC spokesperson said in a statement to Reuters.
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"The ICC and our hosts the BCCI take the wellbeing of all participants seriously and are monitoring the air quality in Delhi.
"We are taking expert advice to assess the situation."
During an India vs Sri Lanka test match in New Delhi six years ago, several players vomited on the field, while others struggled with the hazardous air.
Air quality has been abysmal in Mumbai as well and England player Joe Root said it felt like they were "eating the air" in the western Indian city.
India captain Rohit Sharma has also spoken about the worsening air quality.
"It is not ideal and everyone knows that," Rohit said on Wednesday worried about its impact especially on children.
"Obviously it is important that they get to live without any fear," Rohit said.
"Every time I get to speak outside of cricket, or not discussing cricket, I always talk about this. We have to look after our future generations."
