SL may have less pollution, but cricketers should play: Dhawan

6 December 2017 09:36 pm - 22 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Though Sri Lankan cricketers may feel uncomfortable in Delhi because they might have less pollution in Sri Lanka, Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan said it was necessary for cricketers to do their duty and play regardless of the condition, the Wisden India reported yesterday.

Being from the capital city, Dhawan was understandably quizzed about the pollution – the smog – that has led to quite a few controversial episodes in the Test match. The Sri Lankans have suffered a fair bit, but on Tuesday, Shami also complained of uneasiness and asked for medical attention.

“I am born and brought up in Delhi. This is the time of crop harvesting in some of the states, this month pollution is a wee bit more,” said Dhawan. “Also this time, we haven’t experienced good sunshine. Maybe if there was sunshine, pollution would have been less. I don’t think playing cricket was a problem. As far as Shami is concerned, he is fine and you will see him in action tomorrow.

“There are a lot of players in our team who are not used to this pollution thing in Delhi as they come from other states. But if you have been assigned a job (to play), you can’t let anything come in its way. If you are playing in Delhi at some other point of time, the pollution won’t affect you. I would never say that there is no pollution in Delhi. Of course, there is pollution, but during the winters as there is a lot of smog, so whatever the situation is, we need to adjust accordingly. When you are playing for the country, you have to do your job.”

Dhawan also acknowledged that the Sri Lankans were not used to the unhealthy conditions because where they come from “the air quality is much, much better.”

“Maybe they are uncomfortable, maybe there is less pollution in Sri Lanka. There are more beaches in Sri Lanka. It’s natural that a city surrounded by beaches won’t have pollution. Of course, they may be feeling … as I said I won’t hide that there is pollution in Delhi,” said Dhawan.

“Now if it’s there, it’s there. Can’t help it. Maybe they are feeling it more, I don’t know. But still I would insist that we should do our duty – that is to play cricket.”

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Comments - 22

ceylon Wednesday, 06 December 2017 10:12 PM

this is a problem government must address.whike so much polution still not pay attebtion to create soler energy for industries there.people there live in smoke room. via DM Android App

Dinakshi Thursday, 07 December 2017 11:15 AM

Solar panels wont work when the irraddiance levels drop due to shade or even under the circumstances of extreme haze. FYI. It's too late for them already

Sand Man Wednesday, 06 December 2017 10:24 PM

That's ok. Being form Sri Lanka, I also can see that pollution made Indians to talk crap like this. No wonder. It's a common Indian effect that brain gets smaller with pollution.

Lankaboy Wednesday, 06 December 2017 10:28 PM

Yea, India may have less explosions, but they should go to Pakistan and play.. How does it sound? Stupid Indians..

Russell von Bergheim Thursday, 07 December 2017 08:52 PM

Well said!

AjithZ Wednesday, 06 December 2017 10:31 PM

What a funny thing to say! Will you say that to teams like England, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand or West Indies? If you do, will admire you. Lets wait and see.

Dam Wednesday, 06 December 2017 10:53 PM

Oh really Dhawan ... then why don't you play in Pakistan. Cricket should be played in Pakistan too

Chryshan K. Wednesday, 06 December 2017 11:58 PM

Air pollution data from World Health Organization Delhi ColomboPM10 229 64PM2.5 122 36PM10Pollution Level:Extremely HighHighIs this just a little higher than Sri Lanka. I understand that it gone up to 500 in Delhi these days.

makka Wednesday, 06 December 2017 11:59 PM

keep playing until you pass-out!!

Ari Thursday, 07 December 2017 01:11 AM

It clearly gives the Indian team an undue advantage if they are used to playing under conditions that effect the physical performance of visiting teams, particularly pollution. Reminds one of the England cricket board which always plan fixtures against Asian sides during winter months, knowing very well it hinders their performance.

Hautaum Thursday, 07 December 2017 01:27 AM

Well selected players became uneasy condition and brought up this issue in light. As fitness is first at any game. If Pollution parameter could consider carefully in the future would be appreciated

S B Lokuge Thursday, 07 December 2017 02:26 AM

These Indians are used living in that big cess pit called India and are immune to all those bad odours like the urine smell all over the cities.

Mahen Thursday, 07 December 2017 03:44 AM

It is not just the polluted air, in India hygiene and cleanliness is completely alien to them.

rara avis Thursday, 07 December 2017 05:30 AM

Typical Indian arrogance. We do not need to expose our cricketers to pollution and ill health. The ICC should ban any cricket in the winter season in Delhi.

ANTON Thursday, 07 December 2017 06:11 AM

BOLAA LINDATA PANNOTH......... APITH PANINDA OONEDA.........

Ranjit Thursday, 07 December 2017 06:16 AM

You cannot compare a person who was born and lived in New Delhi to an outsider to be the same. Try inviting theAustralians or the English to play during this period!

Kadiya Thursday, 07 December 2017 06:45 AM

Another environmental pandit in the wake of Sehwag. Dhawan, go keep Sehwag company in his hole in the ground!

Summa Thursday, 07 December 2017 10:44 AM

"THEY MIGHT HAVE LESS POLLUTION IN SRI LANKA" Oh, Mr Dhawan you're far away from reality. Your message should have had "OF COURSE" instead of "MIGHT". And secondly, a shrimp may have dirt above his brain doesn't mean everybody should carry poop in their heads. Good luck in your next "test" in Delhi. I hope the ICC conducted their "tests" with this one !!

Rosy Thursday, 07 December 2017 11:07 AM

What foolish pandit. He doesn't have any gray matter to understand how people can suffer with such heavy pollution. Isn't it better to say India must get the pollution levels down. Just because Khoi hammered over 200 while the fielders were struggling doesn't mean it was pollution free. Who knows what he's got in his system.This is a warning to all cricketing world do not let your players suffer but object to playing in these conditions.

Indian In Colombo Thursday, 07 December 2017 04:55 PM

No excuses, Sri Lankans should play unless they are pregnant.

Citizen Thursday, 07 December 2017 05:52 PM

I think Dhawan is absolutely correct. I'm sure the SL team would have done some reasrch about Delhi before they make a tour itinerary assessing all teh conditions and also they would have arrived in Delhi few days before the match as well. So, how come the team was not aware of the ground situation? Also, if they found out the bad conditions even after they landed there, they could have refused to play and inform the officials and walk out like how Arjuna did some time back. If they chose to play, they should put up a good show and play for the country. It shows how tough the team and the character of the players is... In this situation, it was so childish to find such reasons to cover up their poor performance and make it an excuse. Full credit to Indian team. For all of you talking about small Indian brains and toilet pits etc, you all can clearly see where is India today in in the world and where we are as a country!

Sri Lankan Thursday, 07 December 2017 05:52 PM

The Indians played all the tricks in the books to put Pakistan cricket down, now the nature does not want any cricketers to play in India.

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SL may have less pollution, but cricketers should play: Dhawan

Comments - 22

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