Mumbai Air Pollution: No Fireworks at Wankhede Stadium After IND vs SL Game, Confirms Jay Shah

Team India – the only unbeaten side in the ongoing ODI World Cup – have reached Mumbai to lock horns with Sri Lanka in their next fixture on Thursday. The iconic Wankhede Stadium is set to host the clash between the Asian giants but before the contest, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) have made some major announcements in public interest.

Mumbai city has been gripped by air pollution with local authorities trying their best to better the air quality. In fact, Indian captain Rohit Sharma shared a picture of the city, which he took from the flight, being worried about the heavy smog cover all over the city.

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Ahead of the India vs Sri Lanka game at the Wankhede Stadium on Wednesday, BCCI secretary Jay Shah confirmed that there will be no celebratory fireworks at the venue after the conclusion of the game.

“BCCI is sensitive to environmental concerns. I took up the matter formally with the ICC and there won’t be any fireworks display in Mumbai, which can add to the pollution level. The Board is committed to combating environmental issues and will always place the interest of our fans and stakeholders at the forefront,” Jay Shah said.

“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,” he added.

Sachin Tendulkar’s Statue to be Unveiled

The Mumbai Cricket Association will honour Master Blaster Sachin with a life-size statue, set to be in Mumbai ahead of the India vs Sri Lanka ODI World Cup 2023 contest on Thursday.

The inauguration ceremony of Tendulkar’s statue will be attended by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, the legendary Tendulkar, BCCI secretary Jay Shah, treasurer Ashish Shelar along with officials from the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA), president Amol Kale, secretary Ajinkya Naik and other members of the apex council.

Tendulkar’s statue, at his home ground Wankhede Stadium, is being installed nearly 10 years after he played his last game for India here, against the West Indies in a two-match Test series in November 2013.