advertisement
The ICC might incorporate air pollution in its 'Playing Conditions' clause, having taken a note of the plight of Sri Lankan cricketers during the recently-concluded Test match against India in the national capital.
The Sri Lankan players were seen fielding while wearing anti-pollution masks during India's batting with most of their players complaining of breathlessness while their pace bowlers Suranga Lakmal and Lahiru Gamage also threw up on the field due to uneasiness.
The ICC has now decided to refer the matter to its medical committee, which has been provided the relevant reports as well as data of the prevailing air quality in Delhi.
As a result, there could be a slight alteration in the clauses of the Playing Conditions, where the health hazard of players related to severe air pollution can be incorporated.
A BCCI official said on conditions of anonymity:
Since the Playing Conditions never had any specific mention of air-pollution, it is expected that permissible AQI (Air Quality Index) limit to play competitive cricket will be inserted.
The Indian Medical Association (IMA)'s president Dr KK Aggarwal in a letter to BCCI has also urged the cricket's governing body to include a clause on atmospheric pollution.
Dr Aggarwal on his part also provided data as to how it was a serious health issue for players that the match was not stopped.
"The safe levels of atmospheric particulate matter, according to World Health Organisation air-quality guidelines, are 20g/cu mm (annual mean) for PM10 and 10g/cu mm (annual mean) for PM2.5," he said.
(Breathe In, Breathe Out: Are you finding it tough to breathe polluted air? Join hands with FIT in partnership with #MyRightToBreathe to find a solution to pollution. Send in your suggestions to fit@thequint.com or WhatsApp @ +919999008335)
(At The Quint, we question everything. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member today.)