The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially shifted the venue of the India vs South Africa 1st Test from Delhi to Kolkata, reversing its earlier decision amid growing concerns over pollution in the national capital.
Initially, the BCCI had scheduled the 1st Test between India and South Africa at Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium from November 14 to 18, 2025. However, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi reaching hazardous levels of up to 795 in November 2024, the board has decided to act preemptively to protect players’ health. This comes in light of past incidents in 2017 and 2019 where Sri Lankan and Bangladeshi players vomited on the field due to the toxic air.
As a result, the BCCI has rescheduled venues. Now, Eden Gardens in Kolkata will host the India vs South Africa 1st Test, while the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi will host the 2nd Test of the India vs West Indies series from October 10 to 14, 2025—a time when pollution levels are comparatively lower.
“This has been done to avoid the players from being affected by possibly high pollution levels at that time of the year. The BCCI prioritises the welfare and well-being of the players,” a board official told the Times of India.
A formal announcement from the BCCI is expected shortly.
