On Monday afternoon, Delhi’s air quality index (AQI) was 411 – in the “very unhealthy” range – and many schools were closed.

Playing the match with the International Cricket Council (ICC) raised safety concerns for both teams.

Before the match, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka canceled their training sessions.

While Bangladesh trained over the weekend, asthmatic players were left out of a real-time list of the world’s most polluted cities compiled by IQAir. In the event of an AQI over 300, the World Health Organization (WHO) warns against outdoor activities.

In spite of this, independent checks found that the match could go ahead, and mitigating measures have been taken to make the conditions as safe as possible.

Water sprinklers will be installed around the venue, and air purifiers will be installed in the dressing rooms and areas for match officials.

Organizers said: “The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) engaged renowned pulmonologist Dr Randeep Guleria to assess the situation in Delhi ahead of Monday’s game.

AQI levels within the stadium were monitored throughout the day, and have declined to levels Dr Guleria considers acceptable.”