Delhi Smog: BCCI Takes A Harsh Decision Over Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium

The third and final Test match between India and Sri Lanka at Feroz Shah Kotla was full of action. We had seen some annoying drama and uncalled pauses by Sri Lankans. It was, probably, the first time an international match was disrupted for the reason of bad pollution.

feroz-shah-kotla-delhi

Later, the Sri Lankan players were seen wearing masks to protect themselves from the bad weather condition in New Delhi. The drama didn’t just seem to stop and there were perplexed scenes at the Kotla time and again. Even their players walked off the leaving their overs in between.

The game was stopped again and again for this apparent ploy from Sri Lanka. Whether it was a tactic or a genuine issue they faced is something only they would know. Finally, a lot of debate arose regarding the choice of venue. We all know that India’ capital New Delhi, one of the country’s most inhabited cities has recently been plagued with severe smog.

Sri Lnkans suffering from bad weather

The smog played spoilsport. It is the visitors who have been at the receiving end mostly owing to the hazardous conditions in Delhi. Thus, the experts and doctors have opined that Delhi should be barred from hosting sporting events. Considering that the athletes are exposed to serious health risks which endanger their career, this move is set to be taken.

However, the positive news is that Delhi would not be hosting any international cricket, not before 2020, thanks to BCCI‘s rotational policy. With international ties out of the equation, the question arises for IPL and other domestic fixtures. The BCCI is yet to suppose a concrete decision and only time will reveal if IPL matches get a nod ahead to be hosted in the capital.

smog-lanka

A senior BCCI official privy to the development said, “BCCI is pitching for their exclusive home season slot in February-March every year. They will only get that slot in February-March 2020 as per the new Future Tours Programme [FTP]. Therefore, Kotla may or may not be in line for a Test match before 2020. As per the rotation policy, Kotla has now got its Test match and in November it got an ODI. Their turn will not come next year as India will perhaps have at the most one full-fledged series.”

BCCI

He added, “There are other venues waiting for their turn. Similarly in 2019, when the fresh Future Tours and Programme [FTP] starts, it will take some time for Kotla to get another game. Now what will be the environmental condition in 2020 can’t be predicted in 2017. So if Kotla doesn’t get a match, it will be purely because of rotation.”

What do you say about the decision of the experts and doctors? Do you agree with them? Share your views with us in the comments section below.

Must Watch: Angry Virat Kohli Declares After Sri Lankans Complain Of Delhi Smog

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