Premium
This is an archive article published on November 1, 2023

No fireworks in Mumbai and Delhi matches, quality of air a concern: BCCI

While India plays Sri Lanka at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Thursday, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka will meet at the Feroz Shah Kotla in Delhi next Monday.

Wankhede Stadium playing surface for their semifinal clash against New Zealand.Atkinson's recommendation was that the final should be played on pitch No 5, which has been used only once, though he learned last week that pitch No 6 - which has been used twice - could get the nod to bring India's spinners into play. (File)
Listen to this article
No fireworks in Mumbai and Delhi matches, quality of air a concern: BCCI
x
00:00
1x 1.5x 1.8x

On the day the Bombay High Court took note of Mumbai’s worsening air quality and initiated suo motu proceedings, the Indian cricket board announced that there won’t be any fireworks display during the World Cup matches in Mumbai and Delhi since it “can add to the pollution level”.

While India plays Sri Lanka at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Thursday, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka will meet at the Feroz Shah Kotla in Delhi next Monday.

BCCI secretary Jay Shah, responding to a query by The Indian Express, said, “I took up the matter formally with the ICC and there won’t be any fireworks display in Mumbai and Delhi, which can add to the pollution level. The Board is committed to combating environmental issues and will always place the interest of our fans and stakeholders at the forefront.”

Shah said the Indian board was sensitive to environmental concerns.

“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 said.

According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data, the overall AQI reading in Mumbai Tuesday was a “moderate” 172 with Bandra Kurla Complex touching an alarming high of 260. In Delhi, the air quality this October has been the worst since 2020.

A senior BCCI official said by making the Mumbai and Delhi fireworks-free, the cricket board was making a strong statement. “This is more of a public interest statement that will increase the environmental awareness among citizens. This was a way of setting an example and bringing a significant societal change,” the official said.

Sandeep Dwivedi is the Sports Editor at The Indian Express. He is one of India's most prominent sports journalists, known for his deep analytical insights and storytelling that often goes beyond scores and statistics to explore the human and cultural side of sports. Professional Profile Role: As the Sports Editor, he leads the sports coverage for the newspaper and the website. Weekly Column: He writes "The Sports Column," a weekly feature where he provides sharp, narrative-driven perspectives on the biggest sporting news of the week. Podcast: He is a frequent contributor to the "Express Sports" podcast (Game Time), where he discusses evolving trends in cricket and other international sports. Areas of Expertise While Dwivedi covers the entire sporting spectrum, his work is particularly noted in the following areas: Cricket: He provides extensive coverage of the Indian National Team and the IPL. He frequently analyzes the leadership styles of figures like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Gautam Gambhir. He is known for tracking the transition phases of Indian cricket and the evolution of specific players like Kuldeep Yadav and Rishabh Pant. Athletics & Olympic Sports: He has written extensively on Neeraj Chopra’s rise in javelin, the nuances of Indian shooting, and tennis legends like Sania Mirza and Leander Paes. Human Interest Stories: A hallmark of his writing is his focus on the struggles and backgrounds of athletes, such as the sacrifices made by Shafali Verma’s father or the "silent battles" of veteran players like Cheteshwar Pujara. Notable Recent Work & Themes Leadership and Dynamics: Recently, he has written about the dynamic between Gautam Gambhir, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma, arguing that personal friendship is not a prerequisite for team success. Sports & Culture: His articles often intersect with global culture, such as his deep dive into the 100-year legacy of the Harlem Globetrotters and their role as American soft power during the Cold War. The "Grey Areas" of Sport: He often addresses sensitive topics like the mental health of cricketers post-retirement, the "outrage industry" in sports broadcasting, and the impact of fan-wars on the game. Tenure and Experience Dwivedi has been with The Indian Express for over three decades. This experience allows him to provide historical context to modern sporting events, often comparing current crises or triumphs to those of previous generations. You can follow his latest work and columns on his official Indian Express Author Profile. ... Read More

Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram

Advertisement
Loading Recommendations...
Advertisement
Latest Comment
Post Comment
Read Comments