The Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) has formally requested the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to relocate the opening ODI against Sri Lanka, scheduled for December 13 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi.
According to Cricbuzz, the DDCA has informed the BCCI of its inability to host the fixture as planned. While ongoing renovations at the venue were noted, the primary driver behind the request is the capital’s deteriorating air quality during this season.
The association emphasized that hazardous winter air quality poses a significant risk, and relocating the match would serve as a precautionary measure to safeguard players and spectators.
Air Quality Concerns Drive DDCA Request
Historical data underscores the severity of the problem. Delhi recorded an average AQI of 351 last December, while readings on November 2 indicated similarly hazardous conditions.
A source familiar with the matter told Cricbuzz that air quality, rather than the renovation work, is the main factor behind the DDCA’s request. “More than the renovation work, we want the match to be moved because of AQI in Delhi,” the source said.
The DDCA is also eager to avoid a repeat of the December 2017 Test match, when Sri Lankan players visibly struggled with pollution on the field and some became ill during play. Officials are seeking an alternative venue for the upcoming fixture to prevent a similar occurrence.
BCCI Faces Potential Schedule Overhaul
Originally slated as the series opener, the Delhi match is part of a three-match ODI series. The remaining games are scheduled for Bengaluru on December 16 and Ahmedabad on December 19.
Should the BCCI approve the relocation, it will need to revise the series schedule and identify a substitute venue for the opening game.
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia previously dismissed speculation about moving the fixture. On October 12, he denied reports that the Delhi match would shift to Ahmedabad, stating that no decision had been made.
“Reports suggesting that the India-Sri Lanka ODI match scheduled in Delhi may be shifted to Ahmedabad are not accurate,” Saikia said at the time. “There has been no such decision by the BCCI. Bilateral matches are allocated according to a standard policy, and updates will be shared through official BCCI communications.”
However, with the DDCA now directly petitioning the BCCI for a venue change, the board may be compelled to revisit its position.
