Sarfaraz Khan Wears Mask During Ranji Trophy Match Amid Pollution Concerns: The Ranji Trophy match between Mumbai and Delhi at the Bandra Kurla Complex BKC Ground on Thursday took an unexpected turn when concerns over pollution suddenly came into focus. In a rare sight, players were seen wearing masks on the field as the match went on, highlighting the discomfort caused by poor air quality.
Ranji Trophy Match Hit by Pollution Scare as Sarfaraz Khan and Others Wear Masks
Discussions around air pollution affecting sports usually point to Delhi, but this time, it was Mumbai in the spotlight. On the opening day of the match, 29 January, the Air Quality Index was reported to be around 160, which falls under the unhealthy category.
Conditions at the MCG BKC Ground were believed to be even worse. Ongoing construction work close to the venue stirred up a lot of dust, making the air quality deteriorate quickly. Despite the visible discomfort, play continued as scheduled, leaving players with little choice but to push through.
Players Resort to Wearing Masks
Indian international Sarfaraz Khan, his brother Musheer Khan, and several other cricketers were spotted wearing surgical masks while on the field. Although such masks do not offer strong protection against fine PM 2.5 particles, they were the only immediate option available to the players.
“…new (building) construction work is being carried out here, and because of that, the players were feeling the pollution and having issues in breathing, so they put those on,” Mumbai pacer Mohit Avasthi said on Day 1.
Mumbai Team Raises the Issue
According to a report by the Times of India, the Mumbai team has officially raised concerns with the Mumbai Cricket Association MCA. The team has requested the association to take up the issue of construction-related dust with the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board MPCB.
A Mumbai team source told the TOI: “Mumbai’s team management has written to the MCA regarding the pollution caused by the under-construction building nearby, which has led to a significant amount of dust on the ground. Players and support staff sitting outside the dressing room were also forced to wear masks. In fact, a few players from the Delhi team even requested masks from us. Running on the field is incredibly difficult in such conditions.”
No Action Yet from Authorities
For now, there has been no official response or action from either the Board of Control for Cricket in India BCCI or the state association. As the tournament continues, the incident has raised fresh questions about player safety and the need for better coordination when construction work is happening close to major sporting venues.
ALSO READ: Clash Of Clans February 2026 Gold Pass Brings Lunar New Year Theme
