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Bangladesh head coach Chandika Hathurusinghe on the eve of the clash against Sri Lanka expressed concerns over playing in Delhi pollution. Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) turned severe as the thick layer of toxic haze has made the sun barely visible this week. It has also made the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) resort to a no-fireworks policy in the nation’s capital. As a result, both Bangladesh and Sri Lanka who will be playing each other to strengthen their chances of qualifying for Champions Trophy 2025, have tried to minimise their players’ exposure to the severe conditions.
Hathurusinghe went on to say that they have no choice but to play in these conditions. Meanwhile, the International Cricket Council (ICC) will make a decision on whether the match should be played or not on the morning of the game.
“Air quality is affecting both teams. It's not ideal. We were a little bit concerned. That's why we cancelled one practice session.
“So, we are trying to minimise our exposure to the outdoors because we need to practice and we have to be careful of the long-term effect of this condition,” said Hathurusinghe during the pre-match press conference.
Bangladesh players did not turn up for practice on November 3. But the players had a usual practice session. Most of them were wearing masks to combat the air pollution. Hathurusinghe also revealed that the medical team is keeping a close eye on the players.
"Our doctor has kept a close eye on the players. Some of the players didn’t turn up for practice as they are asthmatic. So, they stayed indoors. Even for practice, we're very conscious," he said.
“We train what we have to train, and they go back into the dressing room. They don't spend time unless they're bowling or batting.”
The coach was also asked whether Delhi is fit to host an ODI, particularly in November, he said, "It is not up to me. I'm not a qualified person to talk about their quality and whether it's fit or not to play."
Eliminated from the semi-final race already, Bangladesh are placed ninth on the points table with just one win from seven games. But Haturusinghe is confident of the Shakib Al Hasan-led side bouncing back and sealing a spot in Champions Trophy 2025.
"Sri Lanka and Bangladesh have played really good matches in the recent past. The thing is, both teams are in a really similar situation, to be honest. We are trying to finish as high as possible because we have lost the opportunity to get into the semifinal now.
"But still the Champions Trophy (qualification) is up for grabs and we need to finish as high as possible. So, this game has a big impact.
"I think it's achievable because we are still a good team. We know that we are better than what we have shown. So, our best game we haven't played so far, even near to our best. So, we still think that the Champions Trophy qualification is achievable,” he said.
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