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The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has taken the decision to prohibit the use of fireworks during the remaining matches of the World Cup in Delhi and Mumbai due to the deteriorating air quality in these major cities. Delhi is left with only one match to host, featuring Bangladesh and Sri Lanka on November 6, while Mumbai is scheduled to host two additional league games on November 2 and November 7, as well as the semifinal on November 15.
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The air quality in Delhi has persisted in the "very poor" category for the fifth consecutive day, with an air quality index (AQI) of 372. Meanwhile, Mumbai has also been grappling with a concerning pollution situation.
“BCCI is sensitive to environmental concerns. I took up the matter formally with the ICC and there won’t be any fireworks display in Mumbai, which can add to the pollution level," said BCCI secretary Jay Shah in a statement on Wednesday.
"The Board is committed to combating environmental issues and will always place the interest of our fans and stakeholders at the forefront. The BCCI acknowledges the urgent concern surrounding air quality in both Mumbai and New Delhi.
"While we strive to host the ICC World Cup in a manner befitting the celebration of cricket, we remain steadfast in our commitment to prioritising the health and safety of all our stakeholders," he added.
Highlighting the gravity of the situation, the Bombay High Court, on its own accord, expressed apprehension about the "deteriorating" air quality index in Mumbai. This development underscores the growing concerns surrounding air pollution in major Indian cities and the efforts being made to mitigate its impact on public health and outdoor events, including the prestigious World Cup matches.
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(With PTI inputs, powered by AI)
