BCCI Warned About Pollution in Delhi After Announcing South Africa Test Series Schedule. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is facing criticism for scheduling a Test match between India and South Africa in Delhi from November 14 to 18, 2025 — a period known for severe pollution and smog in the capital.
Delhi’s worsening air quality during winter, especially in November just after Diwali, has been a recurring concern in recent years. During the 2023 ODI World Cup, Bangladesh had to cancel practice sessions ahead of their match against Sri Lanka on November 6 due to hazardous air conditions.
In response to the criticism, the BCCI defended its decision by citing its “rotation policy” for venue selection. However, past incidents raise doubts about this choice. During a Test match in Delhi in December 2017, several Sri Lankan players were seen vomiting on the field while wearing masks. Similarly, in an ODI in November 2019, two Bangladeshi players vomited on the field due to the poor air quality.
BCCI Plans to Shift Test Match from Delhi to Kolkata After Pollution Concerns
Medical experts have repeatedly warned in recent years about the risks of exercising or playing outdoor sports in Delhi during November, due to extremely high pollution levels. They have stressed that engaging in intense outdoor activity during this time could have serious long-term health effects.
Responding to these concerns, the Times of India reports that the BCCI has decided to move the scheduled Test match from Delhi to Kolkata’s Eden Gardens.
“The Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi will now host the second Test between India and the West Indies from October 10 to 14, which was originally set to take place in Kolkata. Eden Gardens in Kolkata will instead host the first Test between India and South Africa from November 14 to 18,” a BCCI official told the Times of India.
“This change is aimed at protecting players from exposure to potentially hazardous pollution levels during that period. The BCCI always prioritizes the health and well-being of its players. An official announcement regarding this venue swap will be made soon,” the source added.
BCCI Justifies Moving IPL 2025 Final from Kolkata to Ahmedabad
The BCCI official also addressed the decision to move the IPL 2025 playoffs, including the final, from Kolkata to Ahmedabad. According to the source, heavy rainfall in Kolkata on June 3 and 4 would have washed out both the final and the reserve day.
“It rained continuously in Kolkata from 9 PM to 1 AM, and it continued raining heavily the next day as well. If the final had been held there, even the reserve day wouldn’t have been usable. The shift to Ahmedabad was made based on weather forecasts and scientific data, not due to any political reasons as some have claimed,” said the BCCI official.
The IPL final took place on Tuesday night at the Narendra Modi International Cricket Stadium in Ahmedabad, where rain probability was only 3%. Royal Challengers Bengaluru defeated Punjab Kings by six runs in a full 40-over contest.