Mumbai vs Delhi, Ranji Trophy: Players Wear Masks as Pollution Concerns Mar Opening Day at BKC Academy
Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy clash against Delhi at the BKC Academy Ground took an unusual turn on Thursday, January 29, as several Mumbai players were seen wearing face masks due to poor air quality at the venue.
During the third and final session of Day 1, Sarfaraz Khan, Musheer Khan, and spinner Himanshu Singh were spotted fielding with masks on. The move came after players reportedly faced breathing difficulties caused by dust and pollution from nearby construction work.
According to PTI, the Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at around 160, categorised as “unhealthy,” raising concerns over player safety.
Key Performances & Stats
Delhi 1st Innings: 221 all out
- Sanat Sangwan: 118 (11 fours, 2 sixes)
- Other batters: Failed to cross 30
- Mumbai bowlers: Shared wickets evenly
Despite Sangwan’s century, Delhi struggled to build partnerships and collapsed under pressure from Mumbai’s disciplined bowling attack.
Pollution Impact
- AQI: ~160 (Unhealthy)
- Duration of mask usage: Around 30 minutes
- Affected: Players, support staff, and some Delhi team members
Mumbai players removed the masks later in the session after conditions slightly improved.
Official Reactions
Mumbai pacer Mohit Avasthi explained the situation after stumps:
“There wasn’t any banter about it. Construction work is going on here, and because of that, players were feeling pollution and having breathing issues, so they put on the masks.”
A source from the Mumbai camp, quoted by Times of India, said:
“We’ve written to the MCA about the pollution caused by construction. We’ve requested them to take it up with the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board. Even Delhi players asked for masks. Running on the ground is difficult in these conditions.”
Officials confirmed that the Mumbai team management has formally raised the issue with the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA).
Tournament/Series Context
The Ranji Trophy remains India’s premier domestic red-ball tournament and plays a vital role in identifying future national players. Matches at major centres like Mumbai attract significant attention, making player safety and infrastructure standards critical.
The incident has once again highlighted environmental and logistical challenges faced by domestic cricket, especially at venues surrounded by ongoing urban development.
In recent seasons, concerns over heat, air pollution, and pitch conditions have repeatedly surfaced, prompting calls for stricter venue regulations.
What’s Next
- MCA likely to review construction activity near the venue
- Possible intervention by Maharashtra Pollution Control Board
- Match to continue with monitoring of air quality
- Mumbai aim to secure first-innings lead on Day 2
Officials are expected to assess conditions before the start of play to ensure player well-being.
Our Final Thoughts
The unusual sight of Ranji Trophy players wearing masks during a competitive match underlines a growing concern in Indian domestic cricket: environmental safety. While urban venues offer better facilities and visibility, they also bring challenges linked to pollution and construction activity.
Mumbai’s proactive approach in reporting the issue to the MCA reflects a responsible stance towards player welfare. Breathing difficulties, especially during high-intensity fielding spells, can directly impact performance and long-term health. In such circumstances, temporary measures like masks are only short-term solutions.
The incident also raises broader questions about venue selection and monitoring. With domestic cricket serving as the foundation for India’s international success, ensuring safe playing conditions should be non-negotiable. Regular air quality checks, better coordination with civic authorities, and stricter guidelines for construction near stadiums are essential.
From a cricketing perspective, Mumbai maintained control despite the distractions, while Delhi’s over-reliance on Sanat Sangwan exposed their batting vulnerabilities. As the match progresses, focus will return to performance, but the underlying issue remains.
Going forward, administrators must treat this episode as a wake-up call. Protecting players’ health is not just a matter of compliance, but a responsibility towards the future of Indian cricket.