The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has stepped up to defend its controversial decision to host a Test match in New Delhi this November. This comes after the cricketing body unveiled the full schedule for the 2025 home season. India will first face West Indies in a two-Test series starting in October, followed by a much-anticipated clash against South Africa from November 14. The first Test of that series is set for the Arun Jaitley Stadium in the national capital. Many fans and critics have raised eyebrows over this venue selection, citing Delhi’s severe pollution levels in November. Social media buzzed with concerns over the health risks for players, especially after previous games were marred by smog. Despite this backlash, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia held firm, saying the choice was made after consulting all stakeholders and underlined that environmental hazards aren't consistent every year. Speaking to the Indian Express, Saikia said, “We have considered all factors and have gone by the rotation policy after discussing it with everyone. The pollution issue doesn't happen every year." Read also: BCCI Seeks Spin Bowling Coach for Centre of Excellence DDCA to ensure players’ comfort. Saikia’s stance was echoed by Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) secretary Ashok Sharma, who insisted that Delhi’s air in November is not as alarming as feared. Sharma also promised that DDCA would go the extra mile to ensure players’ comfort. Ashok Sharma stated, “The DDCA will take all measures possible to ensure players are comfortable when they play the Test match. Also, the Arun Jaitley Stadium is located in a relatively open area with more green area around. So the air quality is better than in most other areas. Delhi had not been allotted a Test match for a while. The BCCI allotted us the game, so we have to go by the calendar. In November, the pollution, if at all, is less compared to December." Still, public memory hasn’t faded. The 2017 India-Sri Lanka Test was chaotic, with Lankan players visibly struggling to breathe. Coaches took the field. Players wore masks. India was forced into an early declaration due to delays. Since then, air quality has dipped further, largely due to post-harvest stubble burning in nearby states. The last Test in Delhi, however, in February 2023 against Australia, saw no such issues. India won comfortably by six wickets. All eyes will now be on how BCCI and DDCA manage this year’s November air. With South Africa set to visit, the stakes are high, and the smog clouds loom.