Health experts warn cricketers and fans at risk if they attend World Cup game in Delhi

Indian health experts cautioned fans against attending sports events in the capital Delhi where toxic levels of air pollution have continued to blanket the city and cause a public health emergency.

The South Asian nation is hosting the Cricket World Cup with Delhi set to host the final group match between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh on Monday, where local authorities on Friday announced the closure of all primary schools.

New Delhi, home to 20 million residents, ranks among the world’s most polluted cities and is enveloped in thick smog every winter. The pollution is made worse by farmers in states around the capital burning the stubble of harvested crops to prepare their fields for the next planting season.

Air quality index (AQI) levels in Delhi on Friday were above 400, with the Ashok Vihar station recording 446 AQI, according to the Central Pollution Control Board, the country’s leading environmental watchdog.

But organisers expect a full house at the 40,000-capacity Arun Jaitley Stadium for the Sri Lanka v Bangladesh match, as has been the case for almost all games at the ongoing World Cup.

Doctors, however, have warned fans from doing so, as it could mean exposure to toxic air that could lead to both short and long-term respiratory problems.

Dr Vilkas Maurya, Head of the Department of Pulmonology at Delhi's Fortis Hospital said that people, with risk factors, the elderly and children should avoid attending the match as it could exacerbate respiratory issues.

“As we are seeing high pollution levels people are being exposed to harmful effects and the World Cup is happening at this time. I don’t think it can be shut down now, but I would say that people who have allergies, asthma or risk factors should avoid going to