New Delhi: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has come under heavy criticism for scheduling a Test match between India and South Africa in Delhi in November 2025. This is the peak time when Indian capital’s air quality typically deteriorates due to stubble burning and Diwali firecrackers.
Pollution during winter months, especially in November, just after Diwali, has been a big concern in recent years. During the 2023 ODI World Cup, Bangladesh cancelled a training session ahead of their match against Sri Lanka.
In December 2017, Some of the Sri Lankan players wore masks and even vomited on the field. In November 2019, two Bangladeshi players puked mid-match during an ODI.
BCCI plans to move the test match from Delhi to Kolkata after facing criticism
As per the Times of India report, Kolkata’s Eden Gardens will now host the first Test match between India and South Africa. This Test match will be played on the same dates from November 14 to 18.
While Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium will now host the second Test match between India and West Indies, which was earlier scheduled to be played in Kolkata from October 10 to 14.
“The Arun Jaitley Delhi will now hold the second Test between India and West Indies between October 10-14, which was originally supposed to be held at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Kolkata, meanwhile, will now hold the first Test between India and South Africa from Nov 14-18” a source in the BCCI told TOI.
The source also added that the decision has been taken to avoid the players from being affected by possibly high pollution levels at that time of the year. He also said that the BCCI prioritizes the welfare and well-being of the players and their health at all times, and a formal announcement about this swap will be made in coming days.
Over the years, medical professionals have repeatedly cautioned about the dangers of playing outdoor sports in November. Earlier, the BCCI had defended the decision to host matches in Delhi during winter months, citing rotation policy, but faced heavy criticism.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to swap the venues for the India vs South Africa Test match. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
