Smog hit cricket in the capital with the first day of the two Ranji Trophy games being called off. While Bengal are set to take on Gujarat at the Feroz Shah Kotla ground, Tripura and Hyderabad are scheduled to play against each other in the Karnail Singh ground. Poor visibility in the morning resulted in captains of all teams coming out late for the toss, but with eyes hurting due to smog, match referees at both venues in consultation with the skippers and on field umpires decided not to have the toss too.
Manoj Tiwari, wearing a face mask, speaking to media
Umpires went to the middle several times to check whether the visibility had improved, but returned to the pavilion disappointed each time. Around 4 pm, they decided to call off the day's play due to smog and poor light. At Karnail Singh stadium, match referees found the visibility improving at some point, but then realised that in the outfield the visibility remained poor and would cause issues.
It was a shock to see Bengal team emerging from the dressing room wearing masks to board the team bus and leave for the team hotel. Bengal skipper Manoj Tiwari said, “We didn't feel the smog for last two days we have been here in Delhi and practicing. But today, after warming, all players complained of burning eyes. When Parthiv Patel (Gujarat skipper and I went for the toss the visibility too was poor,” said Tiwari. “It was a mutual decision not to go ahead with the toss.,” he added. The players requested the team management for masks in the morning as they found it difficult to breathe due to smog.
Match referee of the Gujarat-Bengal match, P. Ranganathan said that the Board of Control for Cricket in India had been informed of the situation. “We cannot do anything. It (the smog and visibility) is in no one's control. We can only hope it clears up tomorrow.”
Tiwari, meanwhile, rued about the Diwali crackers adding to the pollution levels saying, “we have to suffer if we keep on bursting crackers and adding to the pollution levels. People should realise that.”
