India vs South Africa Test: As India is set to host the 2-match test series against South Africa from November 14th to 26th, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) faces severe backlash for scheduling a test match in Delhi. Typically, every year in November, the city’s air quality deteriorates to a peak level due to a high level of bursting Diwali crackers.
Earlier, the Indian cricket board defended its decision by citing the rotation policy. After receiving severe warnings, the board changed its decision to exchange the venues for two different fixtures, considering the harmful environmental factors.
Based on the latest reports, the first test match will be hosted by Kolkata, while the second test between India and West Indies will be staged in Delhi during October.
It is to be noted that the BCCI revealed Team India’s fixtures (senior men’s cricket) for the international home season 2025 nearly two months back.
BCCI’s Source Reveals Major Details About India vs South Africa Test Series Venue
One of the closest sources to the BCCI revealed that the first test match has been moved to the Eden Gardens in Kolkata, scheduled between 14th to 18th November 2025:
“YES! The test match between India and South Africa will be played from November 14th to 18th, and there are no changes to the dates. However, Kolkata will host the contest instead of Delhi due to the expected pollution levels.
Meanwhile, the second test match between India and the West Indies, which was supposed to be played at the Eden Gardens between October 10th to 14th, will now be shifted to the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi.
This measure is taken to prevent players from being affected by heavy pollution during that particular month of the year. Keeping in mind the safety and health of the players, a formal announcement will be made soon regarding the venue swap,” the BCCI source said to the TOI.
It is understood that Ahmedabad will host the first test match between India and the West Indies as per the earlier schedule. However, the second test match is almost certain to be staged in Delhi, as the official confirmation remains pending.
Rotation Policy: BCCI Defends Its Decision to Host the IND vs SA Test in Delhi!
Finally, the Board of Control for Cricket in India came up with a valid decision after monitoring Delhi’s pollution pattern for the last 10 years. Even during the 2023 ODI World Cup, there were alarming complaints concerning the timing of the Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka fixture on November 6.
Despite Ashok Sharma, the secretary of Delhi District Cricket Association (DDCA) welcomed the BCCI’s decision, there are many criticisms to allot a test to Arun Jaitley Stadium.
Before any other serious argument could arise, the BCCI had brilliantly defended its decision about scheduling the match in November for Delhi. Regarding this issue, Devajit Saikia, the secretary of BCCI stated that they have considered all the factors carefully and came to this decision based on their rotation policy.
Adding to it, he said that the pollution issues do not happen every year, and the Delhi District Cricket Association will be taking all necessary measures. He added, saying that the DDCA will be ensuring players’ comfort while playing the Test match, and the air quality is better than in other areas. Moreover, a Test match in Delhi has not been allotted for a while, and even if pollution is observed in November, it is comparatively than in December.
Was BCCI Correct in Swapping the Venues for India’s Home Series in 2025?
After receiving several warnings, BCCI has taken the right decision to swap the venues as pollution during winters, right after Diwali in November, has become a huge cause of worry in Delhi.
Also, two Ranji Trophy matches were cancelled in November 2016 as the players dealt with severe headaches and burning sensations in their eyes.
Back in December 2017, Sri Lankan players were spotted wearing masks during a test match at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi, where a few of them had vomited on the field. Likewise, in November 2019, Bangladeshi players felt sick and puked on the field during the mid-innings in an ODI match.
Earlier, the Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka clash in the ODI World Cup 2023 faced severe criticism due to unhealthy air quality. As a result, Bangladesh, with no option, had to forfeit their training session.
Also, the medical experts have warned that exercising outdoors when Delhi’s air pollution is at its worst level can affect one’s health in the long run. Therefore, BCCI’s decision to switch the venues seems to be perfect.
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