Bangladeshi cricketers struggled to cope with Delhi smog. Their team management is considering to arrange more masks for the rest of the team. Liton Das noticed that all eyes on New Delhi’s Arun Jaitely Stadium on Thursday afternoon were on him. And his every move was closely monitored.
Since the last Diwali on Sunday, a thick blanket of smog covered entire Delhi on Thursday afternoon. The right-hander later confirmed that he had a minor respiratory illness and he would have worn the mask irrespective of the air quality.
After the practice session, Liton said, “It’s my personal problem. I was not feeling well then,”
Liton was the only Bangladesh cricketer spotted with a mask on Thursday. Bangladesh team management is considering to arrange more masks for the rest of the team.
“Yes, we are thinking about getting more masks,” said a Bangladesh team source.
The Air Quality Index (AQI) around the Arun Jaitely Stadium is in optimum range (400)
“Yes, sighting the ball was definitely a problem but I think under lights on Sunday it should be alright,” said Liton Das.
Newly-elected president Sourav Ganguly pointed out that it was too late to change the venue. Ganguly said, “We have spoken to Delhi authorities in the last two days. They are expecting the match to go through. It could not be cancelled in the last minute.”
He added, “We came in on October 28 and it was too late to do anything, Lots of preparation go in matches. I hope it goes through. Post-Diwali is a difficult time in the North. There is smoke and dust and everything, in the future when we schedule matches in North at this time of the year, we have to be a bit more practical.”
Rohit Sharma said, “I have just landed and haven’t had time to assess. As far as I know, the game is to be played on November 3 and will be played.”