In a surprising turn of events at the ICC World Cup 2023, the reigning champions, England, faced an unexpected challenge that left fans in shock. Out of their four matches played, they suffered a devastating loss in three. England’s recent defeat at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai against South Africa was particularly disheartening. Joe Root, an instrumental figure for the England cricket team, attributes the team’s lackluster performance to the worsening air quality in India, particularly in Mumbai.
In recent years, Mumbai, a bustling city celebrated for its vibrant streets, rich cultural tapestry, and cricket-crazy residents, has witnessed a concerning deterioration in its air quality. This distressing decline has led to numerous accounts of people grappling with breathing difficulties. Surprisingly, when we stack Mumbai up against other major cities renowned for their pollution levels, its air quality surpasses them. Regrettably, these circumstances have taken a toll on the on-field performance of cricket players, who now grapple with heightened anxiety due to this environmental challenge.
Joe Root, England’s top batsman, provided insight into the team’s unfortunate situation following a disheartening loss. He said: ”I’ve obviously played in hotter conditions and more humid conditions but not anything like this before. It just felt like you couldn’t get your breath. It felt like eating the air. It was unique. Klaasen was struggling. Adil Rashid for gasping for air while he was walking back to his run-up. I do not know if it was poor air quality, but it felt like quite a hazy day.”
Recently, the air quality in Mumbai took a nosedive, causing many residents to express concerns about experiencing breathing difficulties. Surprisingly, the city even reported worse air quality than Delhi just a few days ago. It’s akin to consuming air, as Root commented, and several English athletes are struggling to perform in these pollution conditions.
Also Read: Will Joe Root Play The 2027 ODI World Cup?
Pollution has been a recurring concern in India, and in 2017, during a Test match held at Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium, Sri Lankan cricketers donned masks as a precaution against the hazardous air quality prevalent in the capital city.
Comments 1