In a surprising but thoughtful move, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has changed the venues for two key Test matches in the upcoming home season. The reason? Growing concerns over Delhi’s worsening air pollution in November. This venue swap affects matches involving the West Indies and South Africa and highlights the board’s commitment to player safety.

Quick Read: What You Need to Know

• Delhi’s poor air quality in November prompted a venue swap.
• India vs West Indies second Test will now be held in Delhi (Oct 10–14).
• India vs South Africa first Test moved to Kolkata (Nov 14–18).
• The BCCI prioritised player health and air quality in making this decision.
• Official announcement from BCCI is expected soon.
• India’s home season will feature Tests, ODIs, and T20Is across 10 cities.
• Ahmedabad, Ranchi, Raipur, Guwahati, Cuttack, and others will host games.

A Bold Move by BCCI to Tackle Delhi’s Pollution Woes

In a clear sign that the BCCI is placing player health above all else, the cricketing body has decided to reshuffle some of its marquee Test match venues for India’s 2025 home season. The culprit? Delhi’s notorious post-Diwali air pollution.

Originally, Delhi was set to host the opening Test of the India vs South Africa series in November. But due to rising concerns about the capital’s air quality during that period, the match has now been shifted to Kolkata’s Eden Gardens. In a straight swap, Eden Gardens, which was supposed to host the second Test against the West Indies in October, will now step aside as Delhi takes over those dates.

So here’s the updated schedule: the second India vs West Indies Test will now be held at Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium from October 10 to 14, while Eden Gardens will stage the India vs South Africa series opener from November 14 to 18.

This decision wasn’t taken lightly. A source close to the BCCI told The Times of India, “This has been done to avoid the players from being affected by possibly high pollution levels at that time of the year. The BCCI prioritizes the welfare and well-being of the players and their health at all times.”

And this isn’t just about optics. Delhi’s air quality tends to plummet in November, often reaching “severe” levels. The timing coincides with stubble burning in nearby states and festival-related smog, which has previously affected match conditions in the city. Remember 2017, when Sri Lankan players wore masks during a Test match in Delhi? Clearly, BCCI doesn’t want a repeat.

An official confirmation from the board is expected in the next few days, but internally, the decision has already been made. The change reflects the growing awareness and responsibility that sports organizations must take when it comes to environmental and health issues.

Full Home Season Schedule Gets a Shake-up

Apart from this venue shuffle, the BCCI has laid out an exciting, jam-packed home season for Team India.

The red-ball action begins in Ahmedabad, where the Narendra Modi Stadium will host the first Test against the West Indies from October 2 to 6. Following that, Delhi will host the second game (October 10–14), as mentioned earlier.

Once the West Indies series wraps up, fans will turn their attention to a thrilling two-match Test series against South Africa. As per the revised plan:

• 1st Test: Kolkata, November 14–18
• 2nd Test: Guwahati, November 22–26

Following the Tests, the South African tour continues with a set of white-ball matches. The three-match ODI series kicks off in Ranchi on November 30, moves to Raipur on December 3, and concludes in Visakhapatnam on December 6.

But that’s not all. The cricketing action wraps up with a five-match T20I series:

• 1st T20I – Cuttack, December 9
• 2nd T20I – Mullanpur, December 11
• 3rd T20I – Dharamsala, December 14
• 4th T20I – Lucknow, December 17
• 5th T20I – Ahmedabad, December 19

A Step in the Right Direction

While fans in Delhi may be disappointed to miss out on hosting a marquee South Africa Test, the decision underlines a larger truth—climate and health can no longer be ignored in the sports calendar.

By taking preemptive action, the BCCI has shown it’s not just about cricketing action, but also about creating safe conditions for players and fans alike. With the home season stretching across major cities and featuring high-profile matchups, the excitement remains intact, just with a smarter, more thoughtful schedule.

So, gear up for a thrilling cricket season—minus the smog.