BCCI Shifts U-23 Knockout Matches to Mumbai as Delhi Pollution Reaches ‘Severe’ Levels

According to sources, the BCCI has informally alerted the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) to prepare to host the knockout matches between November 25 and December 1.

The decision follows a continuous spike in Delhi’s pollution, with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) recording AQI levels around 400 on Thursday, a threshold considered dangerous for outdoor sporting events.

Air quality continues to deteriorate

Delhi has been grappling with toxic air for weeks, and forecasts suggest further deterioration. With no signs of improvement, the board concluded that holding high-intensity matches in such conditions would pose unnecessary risks. Poor visibility and potential health impacts on young players were key factors behind the shift.

MCA Confirms BCCI’s Communication

An MCA official confirmed the development, telling The Indian Express:

“We got a call from the BCCI today, informing us that the MCA has been allotted the under-23 one-day knockouts due to high air pollution in the capital. Cricket can’t be played in those conditions.”

The final league match of the tournament will take place on November 21 in Vadodara, after which eight teams will advance to the knockout rounds. A revised match schedule is expected to be released shortly.

Not the first relocation due to Delhi smog

This is not an isolated incident. The BCCI has previously faced severe criticism for scheduling matches in Delhi during peak pollution months. Earlier this year, the board shifted the first Test between India and South Africa from Delhi to Kolkata for the same reason. Another Test against the West Indies was held in Delhi only after the air quality improved.

2017 Delhi Test: A reminder of pollution’s impact on cricket

Delhi’s pollution-related cricket controversies were most visible during the 2017 India vs Sri Lanka Test, when the AQI jumped from 316 to nearly 390. Sri Lankan players were seen wearing masks, and the match was stopped for 17 minutes after pacer Lahiru Gamage complained of breathing difficulties. Oxygen cylinders were moved into the dressing room, and at one stage, the visiting team struggled to field 11 players.