The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has shifted the men’s Under-23 one-day knockout matches from Delhi to Mumbai due to high air pollution in the national capital. With air pollution rising to dangerous levels, the board moved the fixtures to safeguard players and ensure the smooth conduct of the tournament. The matches, originally planned in Delhi, will now be hosted by the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) between November 25 and December 1.

Delhi’s air quality has been fluctuating between the ‘very poor’ and ‘severe’ categories, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) touching 400 in several areas according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

Despite slight improvements on isolated mornings, the overall condition has remained hazardous for consecutive days. Forecasts from the Ministry of Earth Sciences’ Air Quality Early Warning System also indicate further deterioration in the coming week.

With the Supreme Court of India recently advising against outdoor sports activities in the region, the BCCI faced pressure to reassess Delhi’s ability to host high-level domestic cricket under such conditions.

According to reports, the BCCI verbally communicated to the MCA to prepare multiple venues at short notice.

The decision, though not yet formally announced through a press release, has already set logistical preparations in motion. Grounds, match-day operations, and team arrangements are all being reorganised to suit the revised schedule.

MCA confirms receiving instructions from BCCI

A source from the MCA confirmed receiving instructions from the board, stating that cricket simply cannot be played safely in Delhi’s present conditions. The last league-stage match of the tournament is scheduled in Vadodara on November 21, after which eight teams will compete in the relocated knockout phase.

This is not the first instance of pollution affecting cricket scheduling in Delhi. Earlier this year, a Test match against South Africa was moved from Delhi to Kolkata due to anticipated pollution levels. The reallocation saw Delhi instead hosting a Test against the West Indies in October.

Delhi has also faced criticism in the past for hosting matches during peak pollution periods. The most notable incident occurred during the 2017 Test against Sri Lanka, when several players were seen wearing masks, and play was halted due to breathlessness, nausea, and poor visibility.