Why Has India's Second Test Against West Indies Moved to New Delhi?
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Synopsis
In a surprising turn of events, the BCCI has relocated India's second Test against the West Indies to New Delhi, citing safety concerns over pollution levels. Meanwhile, the first Test against South Africa will now be hosted in Kolkata. Discover the implications of these changes on the cricket season and player welfare.
Key Takeaways
- Second Test against West Indies moved to New Delhi.
- First Test against South Africa relocated to Kolkata.
- Concerns about pollution influenced venue changes.
- ODI series between India and Australia shifted from Chennai to New Delhi.
- India ‘A’ matches moved to Rajkot from Bengaluru.
New Delhi, June 9 (NationPress) The second Test match of India's two-match series against the West Indies, originally set to occur from October 10-14 at Eden Gardens, will now take place at Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi, as confirmed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Monday.
Simultaneously, the BCCI has declared that India's inaugural Test against South Africa, previously scheduled in New Delhi from November 14 to November 18, will now be hosted at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. The overall schedule for the men's international season remains unchanged, the BCCI added.
It's important to highlight that concerns about safely hosting the first India-South Africa Test in New Delhi arose, especially as it is set to occur three weeks post-Diwali, a time notorious for severe smog and elevated pollution levels in the Delhi-NCR area.
The air quality in Delhi has previously prompted some Sri Lankan players to don masks during a Test against India in December 2017. Furthermore, significant pollution issues were raised before the Bangladesh-Sri Lanka match in New Delhi during the 2023 Men’s ODI World Cup, leading both teams to cancel training sessions ahead of the match.
Additionally, New Delhi is set to host the third ODI of the India-Australia women's series, with the BCCI stating that the three-match series had to be shifted from Chennai due to renovations being made to the outfield and pitches at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
The first two ODIs will now be played at the New PCA stadium in New Chandigarh, culminating in the series finale in New Delhi. This will mark the first instance of New Chandigarh hosting women’s international cricket, while New Delhi returns to hosting women’s ODI matches after 1985 and 1995.
The BCCI also announced that the three one-day matches between India ‘A’ and South Africa ‘A’, set for November 13-19, have been moved from M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru to Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot. The two multi-day games between the teams will still occur at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (COE) in Bengaluru, according to the original schedule.
Point of View
I believe that the BCCI's decision to move the venues reflects a broader concern for player safety and environmental responsibility. It is crucial that we prioritize the well-being of athletes while ensuring that fans continue to enjoy the sport. The changes indicate a responsive governance approach, adapting to the challenges presented by urban pollution.
NationPress
26/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the second Test moved to New Delhi?
The second Test against West Indies was relocated to New Delhi due to concerns over air quality and pollution levels in Kolkata during the scheduled dates.
What are the new dates for the India-South Africa Test?
The first Test match against South Africa will now take place from November 14 to November 18 at Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
How many ODIs will be played in New Chandigarh?
The first two ODIs of the India-Australia women's series will be played in New Chandigarh, marking a significant event for the region.
What does BCCI say about the men's international season schedule?
The BCCI confirmed that the overall schedule for the men's international season remains unchanged despite the venue alterations.
Where will the India 'A' and South Africa 'A' matches be held?
The three one-day matches will now take place at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot.
