IND vs SA: BCCI Plans Venue Change for India vs South Africa Test Amid Delhi Pollution Concerns

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided not to host a Test match at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi this November. For those who may not know, air pollution becomes a serious issue in Delhi during the winter months. The Air Quality Index (AQI), where a reading between 0–100 is considered safe, had gone as high as 795 in November 2024 — a dangerously high level.

Even after knowing about the pollution problems, the BCCI had earlier planned to host the India vs South Africa Test match in Delhi from November 14 to 18. At the time, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia said that “the pollution issue doesn’t happen every year” when asked about the decision.

However, the board seems to have changed its mind. They’ve now taken the pollution concerns seriously and made changes to the schedule. The India vs South Africa 1st Test will now be held at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Meanwhile, the India vs West Indies 2nd Test, which was originally set for Kolkata, will now be played in Delhi.

“The Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi will now host the second Test between India and West Indies from October 10 to 14, which was earlier scheduled to take place at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Meanwhile, Kolkata will now host the first Test between India and South Africa from November 14 to 18.” BCCI source told the Times of India.

Pollution Crisis Hits Delhi Test Match in 2017

Back in December 2017, concerns over Delhi’s air quality became a major issue when Sri Lankan players hesitated to continue a Test match due to the heavy pollution. They eventually returned to the field wearing masks, and when some of them fell ill during play, it highlighted just how harmful the conditions were. Health experts have since warned that playing outdoors in Delhi’s winter air can have serious long-term health risks. Considering this, the BCCI has wisely moved the Delhi Test to October, when pollution levels are generally lower.

“This change was made to protect players from the high pollution levels usually seen during that time of year. The BCCI always puts the players’ health and well-being first,” the source said. “An official announcement about the venue swap will be made in the next couple of days.”

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