The air quality in Delhi has plummeted to dangerous levels. AFP
The air quality in Delhi has plummeted to dangerous levels. AFP
The air quality in Delhi has plummeted to dangerous levels. AFP
The air quality in Delhi has plummeted to dangerous levels. AFP

Delhi pollution hangs over Bangladesh and Sri Lanka World Cup clash


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The World Cup match between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka in Delhi is in danger of being severely affected by pollution with teams wary of the heavy smog that has enveloped the city, triggering serious health warnings.

Both sides had already cancelled one practice session in the build up to Monday's match between Bangladesh, who have already been eliminated, and seventh-placed Sri Lanka. The match, however, carries a lot of significance as the top eight teams at the end of the group stage will qualify for the 2025 Champions Trophy.

What has made matters worse is the air quality in Delhi, that is one of the most polluted cities on the planet this time of the year. The level of pollution has gone from 'very poor' to 'severe' according to air quality monitors, with outdoor activities curtailed.

The local government has ordered the shutdown of primary schools until November 10, while online learning has been suggested for other classes.

Forcing the players to compete in an ODI in such conditions is unprecedented and while the International Cricket Council said it is monitoring the situation, Bangladesh coach Chandika Hathurusingha admitted his team has "no choice" but to play Sri Lanka in Delhi.

"Our doctor is keeping a close eye on the players," Hathurusingha said at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.

"Some of the players didn't turn up for practice as they are asthmatic, so they stayed indoors.

"Even for practice, we are very conscious. We train what we have to train, and then go back into the dressing room. They don't spend time outdoors unless they're bowling or batting.

"It's not ideal, but we have no choice. We have to play in the conditions in front of us."

A decision over the fate of the match will be made on Monday when match officials will decide whether the conditions are favourable for an international match.

Health experts warned that fans should not attend the match on Monday as prolonged exposure to toxic air can lead to respiratory issues.

Dr Vilkas Maurya, head of the Department of Pulmonology at Delhi's Fortis Hospital said that those with risk factors, the elderly and children should avoid attending the match.

“As we are seeing high pollution levels, people are being exposed to harmful effects and the World Cup is happening at this time. I don’t think it can be shut down now, but I would say that people who have allergies, asthma or risk factors should avoid going to the stadium and stay indoors,” Dr Maurya told The National.

The Indian cricket board has banned use of fireworks in post-match celebration but that is unlikely to have any impact on the already poor quality of air.

Earlier, India captain Rohit Sharma had lamented the poor quality of air in Mumbai that has been facing a high level of pollutants. However, the situation in Delhi is critical.

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Director: Lulu Wang

Stars: Awkwafina, Zhao Shuzhen, Diana Lin, Tzi Ma

Four stars

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Name: Kumulus Water
 
Started: 2021
 
Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
 
Based: Tunisia 
 
Sector: Water technology 
 
Number of staff: 22 
 
Investment raised: $4 million 

Dr Amal Khalid Alias revealed a recent case of a woman with daughters, who specifically wanted a boy.

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The biog

Name: Dhabia Khalifa AlQubaisi

Age: 23

How she spends spare time: Playing with cats at the clinic and feeding them

Inspiration: My father. He’s a hard working man who has been through a lot to provide us with everything we need

Favourite book: Attitude, emotions and the psychology of cats by Dr Nicholes Dodman

Favourit film: 101 Dalmatians - it remind me of my childhood and began my love of dogs 

Word of advice: By being patient, good things will come and by staying positive you’ll have the will to continue to love what you're doing

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Company name: Nestrom

Started: 2017

Co-founders: Yousef Wadi, Kanaan Manasrah and Shadi Shalabi

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Sector: Technology

Initial investment: Close to $100,000

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Uefa Champions League semi-final, first leg

Tottenham 0-1 Ajax, Tuesday

Second leg

Ajax v Tottenham, Wednesday, May 8, 11pm

Game is on BeIN Sports

Sole survivors
  • Cecelia Crocker was on board Northwest Airlines Flight 255 in 1987 when it crashed in Detroit, killing 154 people, including her parents and brother. The plane had hit a light pole on take off
  • George Lamson Jr, from Minnesota, was on a Galaxy Airlines flight that crashed in Reno in 1985, killing 68 people. His entire seat was launched out of the plane
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Dragons
Tries: Hayes, Richards, Cooper
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Tries: Kenny, Crombie, Tantoh
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The White Lotus: Season three

Creator: Mike White

Starring: Walton Goggins, Jason Isaacs, Natasha Rothwell

Rating: 4.5/5

The Programme

Saturday, October 26: ‘The Time That Remains’ (2009) by Elia Suleiman
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Updated: November 05, 2023, 1:23 PM`