The air pollution in the national capital has shrouded in doubt the World Cup clash between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh here on Monday and it remains to be seen if the health of the players takes precedence over the contest.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has made it clear that a call on the future of the match will be taken only on game day when the match officials assess the air quality on Monday.

Asthmatic Bangladesh cricketers remained indoors while Sri Lanka players wore masks as poor air quality remained the talking point.

Both teams had already cancelled one practice session in the build-up to the match between eliminated Bangladesh and seventh-placed Sri Lanka, who have only the slimmest of chances of reaching the last four.

While the sun did peep out around noon on Sunday, the filthy air prompted the Delhi government to extend the closure of primary schools until November 10.

Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis during the teams’ practice sessions in New Delhi on Sunday. PTI photo

Delhi’s air quality index (AQI) read an alarming 460 on Sunday and Bangladesh coach Chandika Hathurusinghe said they were trying to minimise exposing their players to such conditions.

“Our doctor is keeping a close eye on the players,” Hathurusinghe said on Sunday.

“Some of the players didn’t turn up for practice as they are asthmatic, so they stayed indoors.

“Even for practice, we’re very conscious. We train what we have to train, and then go back into the dressing room. They don’t spend time outdoor unless they’re bowling or batting.”

Most of the Sri Lankan players wore masks when they arrived at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in the afternoon.

Skipper Kusal Mendis dismissed media reports claiming the 1996 champions had requested the ICC to shift the match to another venue.

“We didn’t make a request to change... We just asked them what’s the plan,” Mendis told reporters. “I think they have installed some equipment here, and they’ve got specialists to check (the air quality)...”

The ICC has sought advice from renowned pulmonologist Randeep Guleria to ensure that the game takes place as scheduled.

“The BCCI engaged the services of renowned pulmonologist Dr Randeep Guleria to assess the situation in Delhi and provide independent expert advice,” an ICC spokesperson said.

“Under Dr Guleria’s guidance, the venue team has been taking mitigating actions throughout the day.”

Written with inputs from Reuters, PTI