Shruti Suman
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has imposed a complete ban on the use of fireworks during the ICC World Cup 2023 matches in Delhi and Mumbai. This decision is a response to the deteriorating air quality in both of these major cities.
Delhi has only one match remaining, which is the Bangladesh-Sri Lanka game scheduled for November 6. Meanwhile, Mumbai is set to host two more league games on November 2 and November 7, as well as the semifinal on November 15.
In a statement on Wednesday, BCCI Secretary Jay Shah emphasized the organization’s sensitivity to environmental concerns. He formally raised the issue with the ICC and confirmed that there will be no fireworks display in Mumbai to avoid worsening the pollution levels. The BCCI is dedicated to addressing environmental issues and always prioritizes the well-being of fans and stakeholders.
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Shah stated, “The Board is committed to addressing environmental concerns and will consistently put the interests of our fans and stakeholders first. The BCCI recognizes the urgent concerns regarding air quality in both Mumbai and New Delhi.”
Both cities have been grappling with severe air pollution problems, with Delhi’s air quality remaining in the “very poor” category for the fifth consecutive day, registering an air quality index (AQI) of 372. Mumbai is also facing alarming pollution levels, as highlighted by the Bombay High Court’s recent suo motu action expressing concern about the deteriorating air quality index in the city.
Khushi Sikarwar
