The first T20I of the three-match series between India and Bangladesh was hit by the ongoing air quality crisis in pollution-choked Delhi, reportedly causing at least two players to vomit on the field. Delhi has been suffering from severe pollution conditions for several days, leading officials to declare a public health emergency and asking citizens to avoid prolonged exposure to the heavily-polluted air.
However, the ecological crisis did not cause the cancellation of the scheduled first T20I, which took place on Sunday. The players – some of whom were wearing pollution masks – were forced to face not only their opponents but also the eye-burning smog, which according to ESPN caused Bangladesh’s Soumya Sarkar and one of his teammates to vomit on the pitch.
Who said we don't celebrate #Halloween. If this isn't scary then what is.#Chernobyl #DelhiAirEmergency #DelhiPollution #DelhiSmog pic.twitter.com/RX3KhCSTzX
— Shhhh🤫 (@volcalyp) November 4, 2019
The Indian batting coach, Vikram Rathour attempted to play down the conditions, stressing that the extreme smog hadn’t affected his team much as they had got used to the conditions. He said, “The game has been scheduled and we’re here to play. No special measure is being taken (to safeguard the health of the players). We’re used to these conditions.”
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However, BCCI president Sourav Ganguly, a batting legend, acknowledged that the conditions had been tough, tweeting: “Thank u to both the teams to play this game @ImRo45 @BCBtigers under tuff conditions.. well done bangladesh..”
Thank u to both the teams to play this game @ImRo45 @BCBtigers under tuff conditions .. well done bangladesh ..
— Sourav Ganguly (@SGanguly99) November 3, 2019
Bangladesh won the encounter by three wickets, taking a 1-0 lead in the best of three series. The conditions also did not appear to put off cricket fans as they packed The Feroz Shah Kotla stadium. The Indian batting line-up failed to live up to expectation at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi as they only managed to score 148/6 in their quota of 20 overs. India lost the opening encounter, as they suffered first ever defeat against the Bangladesh team in the shortest format.
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India will be looking to bounce back in the second T20I which is scheduled to be held on November 7 at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot while the third and final match will be held at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur on November 10.
