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India captain Rohit Sharma has expressed concern over
the worsening air quality in Mumbai, and elsewhere in the country, saying it is
important to ensure that future generations can live “without any
fear” in India.
“In an ideal world, you do not want a situation
like this but I am pretty sure that the concerned people are taking the
necessary steps to avoid this kind of situation,” Rohit said on the eve of
India’s World Cup match against Sri Lanka in Mumbai. “It is not ideal and
everyone knows that.
“Looking at our future generations, your kids, my
kid. Obviously it is important that they get to live without any fear. Every
time I get to speak outside of cricket, or not discussing cricket, I always
talk about this. We have to look after our future generations.”
The issue of air quality had been raised earlier
during the World Cup by Joe Root following England’s defeat to South Africa in
Mumbai.
“|I’ve not played in anything like that
before,” Root had said. “I’ve obviously played in hotter conditions,
and probably more humid conditions. But it just felt like you couldn’t get your
breath. It was like you were eating the air. It was unique.
“I mean you couldn’t get away from it. You walk
out onto the field and your shirt’s soaking wet, and you have a lot heavier
breath than you would do, and you know you’ve done your fitness and stuff, it’s
not like you’re short on that. So you are very aware of it … It was tough, but
that’s the sort of stuff that you come up against and contend with when you
come out to play in India at this time of year.”
The BCCI announced that it will not be letting off
fireworks during the remaining World Cup matches in Delhi and Mumbai due to the
deteriorating air quality in those two cities.
“The BCCI acknowledges the urgent concern
surrounding air quality in both Mumbai and New Delhi. While we strive to host
the ICC World Cup in a manner befitting the celebration of cricket, we remain
steadfast in our commitment to prioritising the health and safety of all our
stakeholders.”