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'No Choice But To Play…' Bangladesh Coach on Delhi's Pollution for Sri Lanka Match

image-lolle7sjBangladesh & Sri Lanka are set to face off in Delhi (x.com)

Bangladesh coach Chandika Hathurusingha has acknowledged that the team has "no choice" but to face Sri Lanka in the smog-filled surroundings of Delhi on Monday, November 6.

Bangladesh are set to encounter Sri Lanka in the heavily polluted atmosphere of New Delhi on Monday, followed by their final match against five-time champions Australia in Pune on Saturday. 

Despite the lack of rain in Delhi on Monday, the primary concern heading into the game is the persistently poor air quality, which has consistently exceeded the 450-mark on a scale of 500 since Thursday, November 3.

The 'Air Quality Early Warning System' predicts that it is likely to remain in the 'severe' category until Tuesday, November 7. As of Sunday morning, the AQI was recorded at 457 by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). This has raised some doubts about the match taking place. However, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has clarified that any decision regarding the match's cancellation will be made only on the day of the match when officials assess the air quality on Monday, November 6.

Addressing the pollution issue, Bangladesh's head coach mentioned, "We were concerned. We are trying to minimise our exposure to the outdoors as much as possible. We need to practice, but we have to be careful about the long-term effects of these conditions. The air quality is affecting both teams. It's not ideal, but we have no choice. We have to play in the conditions in front of us."

Both Bangladesh and Sri Lanka have canceled their scheduled pre-match training sessions in recent days due to health risks associated with the smog. The severe smog levels are expected to persist for several more weeks.

"Some of the players didn't attend practice as they are asthmatic, so they stayed indoors. Even during practice, we're very cautious. We train as necessary and return to the dressing room. They don't spend time outside unless they're bowling or batting."

Bangladesh began their World Cup campaign with a victory over Afghanistan, but they were chasing a modest target of 156 for that win. Since then, they have suffered substantial defeats to England, New Zealand, India, South Africa, and Pakistan. Their promising start, aiming for a semifinal berth for the first time, was followed by a sharp decline, leaving Bangladesh's ICC Champions Trophy aspirations uncertain.