ICC World Cup 2023: Why are England players using asthma inhalers in India?

Some England cricketers have started using asthma inhalers during their training to manage the high levels of air pollution in several Indian cities like New Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, and Chennai during the ICC World Cup 2023.

Air pollution has reached unprecedented levels in the last few days, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) in New Delhi crossing the dangerous mark of 400, which is hazardous to health.

Smog engulfs Delhi, National Capital chokes! Air pollution, a silent killer. Know how pollution is reducing life expectancy#ITVideo #Health360 #HealthBoostwithSneha | @PoojaShali @snehamordani pic.twitter.com/mnoIB9TNTH

— IndiaToday (@IndiaToday) November 3, 2023

But, why?

• Speaking to the British news website iNEWS, England batter Joe Root said that the players gasped for breath during their match against South Africa on October 21.

• He admitted that the condition made the players feel like they were eating air. "It just felt like you couldn't get your breath. It was unique."

• Compared to India, the AQI level in London remains around 50. England players have said that they have been using the inhalers sporadically throughout the tournament depending on the city the team has been in.

• They admitted to using inhalers in New Delhi and Mumbai, where the pollution levels have been comparatively high.

• Ben Stokes was seen using an inhaler during a training session in Chennai, ahead of England's match against Sri Lanka.

• The team confirmed that the inhalers they used complied with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) code that the International Cricket Council (ICC), the organizers of the World Cup, adhere to.

Rohit Sharma also raises concern

• Indian skipper Rohit Sharma also raised his concern regarding severe air pollution in Mumbai and other Indian cities.

• Team India had arrived in Mumbai to play Sri Lanka for their seventh World Cup match. Rohit posted an image on his Instagram account, saying, "Mumbai, Ye kya ho gaya" (Mumbai, What has happened).

• At the pre-match conference, Sharma spoke about the air pollution menace in India.

• He said, "I mean, in an ideal world, you don't want a situation like this, but I'm pretty sure the concerned people are taking necessary steps."