Rohit Sharma and the Indian Cricket Team would be all geared to continue their unbeaten run when they face Sri Lanka in a deja-vu of the 2011 World Cup finals at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Sri Lanka has only won two of their six matches in the tournament so far, and another defeat will deliver a decisive blow to their already bleak semi-final hopes. However, the venue has drawn attention for reasons outside the field as the deteriorating air quality in Mumbai has raised concerns among both teams.
India are favorites going into the clash against an inconsistent Sri Lanka, but the poor AQI would hurt both teams on Thursday. It is a common site during winter seasons in cities like Mumbai and Delhi, where a mixture of fog and smoke come together to affect the air quality affecting visibility.
It is not ideal and everyone knows that – Rohit Sharma
Indian skipper Rohit Sharma was speaking to the media ahead of their match and sounded concerned with a sense of uneasiness about the status quo. BCCI has quickly swung into action announcing that there would be no fireworks after the game in the matches to be played in Mumbai and Delhi.
Rohit Sharma expressed his concern regarding the depleting air quality in Indian cities citing the situation was not ‘ideal’ and that necessary steps should be undertaken in the best interests of future generations.
“Looking at our future generations, your kids, my kid. Obviously, it is important that they get to live without any fear. Every time I get to speak outside of cricket, or not discuss cricket I always talk about this. We have to look after our future generations” said Rohit Sharma.
Indian cities are expected to undergo another phase of depleting air quality in the winter months, as Delhi has clocked an AQI of 372 which falls in the “very poor” quality for the fifth continuous day. Mumbai’s pollution situation has been equally alarming.
The BCCI has said that it is “sensitive to environmental concerns.” with Secretary Jay Shah saying that he has taken the case formally with the ICC in the matter.
“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 Jay Shah in a recent statement.
The Board is committed to combating environmental issues and will always place the interest of our fans and stakeholders at the forefront – BCCI
“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” read the BCCI statement.