The cricketers are seen wearing masks during the ongoing Ranji Trophy match between Mumbai and Delhi at the Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) Ground. While Delhi pollution has no bounds, surprisingly, it’s Mumbai where the players seem to struggle to breathe. During the first day’s play on 29th January, the Air Quality Index (AQI) was noted around 160, which is categorised as ‘unhealthy’.
Construction work near the MCG-BKC Ground caused the air quality to drop. This led to a higher AQI in the area. The players had to continue the game despite the poor conditions.
Sarfaraz Khan and his brother Musheer Khan were seen wearing surgical masks. Many other cricketers wore them as well. These masks do not filter PM 2.5 pollutants effectively. However, the players used the only resources they had. Mumbai pacer Mohit Avasthi spoke about the situation on Day 1. He noted that nearby building construction made breathing difficult for the players. He confirmed this was why they wore the masks.
The Mumbai team has now filed a formal complaint with the MCA. They are urging the association to contact the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board. They want the authorities to address the issue of construction dust.
A report published in The Times of India, The Mumbai team has now filed a formal complaint with the MCA. They are urging the association to contact the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board. They want the authorities to address the issue of construction dust.
A Mumbai team source told the TOI: “Mumbai’s team management has written to the MCA regarding the pollution caused by the under-construction building nearby, which has led to a significant amount of dust on the ground. Players and support staff sitting outside the dressing room were also forced to wear masks. In fact, a few players from the Delhi team even requested masks from us. Running on the field is incredibly difficult in such conditions.”
However, no formal actions have been taken by BCCI or the state association.
