The high level of pollution in Delhi this winter could mean a major change to India's upcoming home ODI series against Sri Lanka. The first match was supposed to be held at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on December 13, but the Delhi and District Cricket Association have reportedly contacted the Board of Control for Cricket in India and asked them to move the match elsewhere.

The DDCA have reportedly told Cricbuzz they will not be able to host the first ODI in the series. While repairs are also being carried out at the stadium, the main reason for the change is reportedly because of Delhi's pollution problem this winter. The capital has been suffering from bad air quality and there are concerns about playing an international cricket match while this is happening.

Delhi's winter pollution emerges as major concern for DDCA

Delhi has always faced a tough time due to the unhealthy air quality it suffers from in the winter. Last December, the capital saw an average AQI of 351 and on November 2 this year.

The DDCA are worried that an international game will cause problems for the players, support staff and fans. However, a source close to the situation told Cricbuzz that the main problem with the air quality was the issue.

“We want the match moved more because of the AQI in Delhi than the renovations,” the source told Cricbuzz.

India's Test match against Sri Lanka in December 2017 caused some awkward moments as the tourists suffered from the extreme pollution levels. Many of the Sri Lankan players were spotted wearing masks, and some even struggled to breathe.

The incident gained much attention and led to questions about holding international games in Delhi when the air quality is so bad. Almost nine years later, the DDCA is eager to avoid any similar issues and has asked to move the venue.

Potential changes to India-Sri Lanka ODI schedule

The first ODI is currently set to be played at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on December 13. The three-match series will then head to Bengaluru for the second game on December 16 and finally Ahmedabad on December 19.

If the BCCI agrees to move the game, they will have to find a new venue and alter the schedule. They will also have to work with the relevant state associations to ensure the first game can be organized.

Interestingly, there was previous speculation that the venue may be moved, but BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia denied reports that the Delhi game would be moved to Ahmedabad.

“We have not decided to move the match. Please check official BCCI announcements,” he told on October 12.

“The reports about the India-Sri Lanka ODI being moved from Delhi to Ahmedabad are not correct. There is no decision taken by the Board. Please check official announcements of the BCCI. It has to be reiterated that bilateral matches are generally allocated based on standard policy.”

However, with the latest news that the DDCA have been in contact with the BCCI, it may be considered to move the game. This is because it has come from the association that would actually be hosting the match.

Delhi's pollution brings international cricket into question

The possibility of moving the India-Sri Lanka ODI shows the issues cricket has when scheduling international matches in places with extreme weather.

Delhi's pollution in the winter has often caused issues for Indian cricket. The events of December 2017 were a reminder of how hard the players would have found it to play with the pollution levels.

Although the BCCI has not announced any changes to the December 13 game, the DDCA's request has caused the venue to be questioned again. Whatever the outcome will decide if the Arun Jaitley Stadium is host to the first ODI or if the series will start elsewhere.

The focus will now turn to the BCCI's reaction and if they will move the game to avoid another international cricket match being affected by Delhi's pollution crisis.