Delhi's Smog: A Recurring Challenge for South African Cricketers
During a Test series in India in November and December 2015, a member of the South African touring party experienced a startling event. While sleeping in his Delhi hotel room, he was awakened by a distressing rasping sound – his own labored breathing. The cause was quickly identified: Delhi’s notorious air pollution, which blankets the city annually during those months. This experience highlights a recurring issue facing international teams touring India.
A Taste of Sooty Sourness
Despite the concerning air quality, the player attempted a run towards India Gate. However, even a relatively short distance revealed the pervasive nature of the smog. He described a landscape obscured by 'sludgy, soupy air' and the lingering 'sooty sourness' on his palate. The upcoming Test series promises a similar atmospheric ordeal.
Player Perspectives: Awareness and Impact
Dane Vilas, South Africa's wicketkeeper in the 2015 Delhi Test, recalls the experience with a degree of detachment. He stated, “I don’t remember much about it,” attributing it to the hectic nature of the tour. However, he acknowledges the clear impact on breathing, particularly for those unfamiliar with such extreme conditions. He added, “It’s not a great place to be playing then because of the smog.”
Medical Management and Player Health
Mohammed Moosajee, South Africa’s manager and doctor in 2015, was instrumental in managing player health. He explained the challenges of dealing with players with pre-existing conditions like asthma and allergic rhinitis. “The challenge is guys who have underlying comorbidities... Their conditions tend to flare up when the pollution levels are very high,” he said. The team proactively provided antihistamines, nasal sprays, and asthma pumps to mitigate the effects.
Coaching Concerns and Venue Selection
Russell Domingo, South Africa’s coach in 2015, only recalled the impact of the air quality upon his return as Bangladesh's coach. He noted that the smog was 'horrific' and led to players experiencing nausea. He questioned whether the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) should consider alternative venues during that time of year.
Political Considerations and Unusual Venue Choice
It's likely that concerns over air quality are overshadowed by political considerations. The Delhi and District Cricket Association holds significant power, and their preferences often dictate scheduling. The choice of Guwahati, Assam, as the venue for the second Test in the series, is also peculiar – it's a city with a much smaller population, has never hosted a Test, and the venue choice may be connected to the recent change in the BCCI secretary.
Potential Impacts on Indian Players
It's crucial to remember that India’s own players are also affected by Delhi's smog. This isn't a case of the BCCI targeting visiting teams; it's a shared environmental challenge.
Key Takeaways:
- Delhi’s air pollution presents a significant health challenge for visiting cricket teams.
- Proactive medical management is crucial for player wellbeing.
- Venue selection is often influenced by political and administrative factors.
- Both visiting and home teams are impacted by the poor air quality.