Bangladesh’s cricket team has decided to call off their scheduled training session in Delhi due to the hazardous levels of air pollution in the Indian capital. Their upcoming match against Sri Lanka at the Arun Jaitley Cricket Stadium on November 6 is now clouded with uncertainty, given the deteriorating air quality that has reached a ‘severe’ level.
Bangladesh, who have experienced a string of defeats following their sole victory against Afghanistan, were originally planning to practice at the Arun Jaitley Cricket Stadium to prepare for the crucial match, which holds significance for their participation in the Champions Trophy. However, in light of several cricketers reporting respiratory issues after venturing out on November 2, the team management decided to prioritize their health and canceled the practice session.
Media reports indicate that Delhi’s air quality plummeted to ‘severe’ levels, with Mundka registering the highest Air Quality Index (AQI) at 498. Health experts have expressed concern about a surge in respiratory and health problems among residents, advising precautions and the use of protective masks.
Khaled Mahmud, Bangladesh’s team director, explained the decision, stating, “Today, we had a training session, but the conditions worsened from yesterday, and we didn’t want to risk the health of our players, so we canceled the training. We are unsure about the weather’s improvement, but we have two more days for preparation. We want our players to be in the best possible condition as these two upcoming games are crucial for us.”
Regarding Bangladesh’s lackluster performance in recent matches, Mahmud expressed his belief that playing New Zealand in venues like Chattogram or Sylhet instead of Dhaka before the World Cup would have better prepared the team. He emphasized that the sporting wickets in India were a challenge for the players, and preparing on similar pitches would have been more advantageous.
Mahmud also shared his dissatisfaction with his role as team director, clarifying that he doesn’t have the same decision-making authority he had in previous tours as a selector. While he acknowledged his role in maintaining discipline, he expressed his preference for a more hands-on coaching role and is not enjoying his current responsibilities.
As for the future of head coach Chandika Hathurusingha, Mahmud mentioned that it’s premature to make any statements, but he anticipates a comprehensive evaluation following the World Cup, given the team’s performance and strategic decisions that have faced criticism.
In summary, Bangladesh’s cricket team faces multiple challenges, from environmental concerns to performance evaluations, as they navigate their campaign in the ongoing cricket tournament.
Disclaimer: The prediction is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While making your prediction, consider the points mentioned, and make your own decision.
