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The upcoming South Africa tour of India in 2025 is already generating discussion, not solely for the anticipated cricketing contests, but also for the environmental and political backdrop against which these matches will be played. Specifically, the article highlights the persistent issue of Delhi's severe air pollution, a concern that directly impacts the health and well-being of visiting teams. The author uses a personal anecdote from a previous tour in 2015 to vividly illustrate the suffocating reality of Delhi's air quality during November and December, the same period scheduled for the Test match. This sets the stage for a deeper exploration of the challenges faced by athletes competing in such conditions and raises questions about the responsibility of cricket boards to prioritize player welfare. The story of a South African traveler's experience, waking up to the sound of his own labored breathing due to the polluted air seeping into his hotel room, paints a grim picture. His subsequent attempt to run near India Gate, only to be engulfed in a "sludgy, soupy air," further emphasizes the severity of the problem. The fact that he could only see the monument properly from within 50 meters underscores how dangerously compromised the air quality becomes at that time of year. The author isn't merely presenting an isolated incident but rather framing it as a recurring issue, deeply rooted in Delhi's environmental conditions. They pinpoint several contributing factors, including relentless industrial emissions, excessive vehicular traffic, post-Diwali fireworks, and the practice of burning crop stubble. The lack of wind during these months exacerbates the problem, trapping the pollutants in the city. This detailed explanation makes it clear that the pollution isn't just an anomaly but a systemic issue with long-term consequences for the health of Delhi's residents and visitors alike.
The article then transitions into a discussion of the 2015 Test series, during which South Africa faced challenging conditions on and off the field. While Dane Vilas, the wicketkeeper at the time, doesn't explicitly recall focusing on the air quality, he acknowledges that breathing was indeed difficult and noticeable upon arrival. His more immediate concerns centered on navigating the spinning pitches and facing the bowling attack. This highlights the athlete's focus on the game itself, potentially overshadowing environmental worries. However, his admission that the pollution takes you by surprise, especially coming from a country with good air quality, indicates that the issue was still present, even if not at the forefront of his mind. The article further delves into the controversies surrounding the 2015 series, suggesting that the pitches were deliberately skewed in favor of India to prevent a third consecutive series loss. This brings forth the issue of political maneuvering within cricket and the potential for home boards to influence playing conditions to gain an advantage. The reference to the ICC rating the Nagpur pitch as "poor" adds weight to the argument that the conditions were far from ideal. In contrast, the article recalls South Africa preparing a pitch with inconsistent bounce for a Test against India in 2018, which also received a poor rating. This implies that both teams have been involved in manipulating conditions to their advantage, creating a tit-for-tat dynamic that undermines the spirit of fair play. These anecdotes highlight the complex interplay between sporting competition, political influence, and environmental concerns.
Beyond just recounting past events, the article delves deeper into the practical considerations for managing players' health in polluted environments. Mohammed Moosajee, South Africa's team manager and doctor in 2015, emphasized the increased vulnerability of players with pre-existing respiratory conditions like asthma and hay fever. He highlighted the proactive measures taken to address these issues, including medication and close monitoring of players' symptoms. This showcases the importance of medical support and careful planning when touring locations with known health risks. Similarly, Russell Domingo, South Africa's coach in 2015 and later Bangladesh's coach, shared his experiences of returning to Delhi as Bangladesh's coach for a T20I in 2018. He described the conditions as "horrific" and "very challenging," noting that some players became sick and nauseous. This further underscores the severity of the pollution and its detrimental effects on athletes' health. Domingo also raised a valid question about whether the BCCI should consider alternative locations for matches during that time of year, acknowledging that Delhi is "not a great place to be playing then because of the smog." The article further explores the potential reasons behind the BCCI's decision to keep the Test match in Delhi, suggesting that political considerations may outweigh concerns about player welfare. The strong influence of the Delhi and District Cricket Association is highlighted as a possible factor. The article also speculates on the choice of Guwahati as the venue for the second Test, linking it to Devajit Saikia's position as BCCI secretary and his ties to the Assam Cricket Association. This section of the article raises questions about the transparency and fairness of venue selection processes within Indian cricket administration and suggests that political connections might play a significant role. This final point underlines the intricate web of factors influencing decisions in the world of international cricket, ranging from environmental challenges to political maneuvering and the health of the athletes involved.