A cricket Test match, between India and Sri Lanka, was interrupted repeatedly on Sunday with claims that the players were ill and vomiting due to the hazardous levels of pollution in Indian’s capital.

It was the first recorded stance of an international match being paused due to toxic smog which affects much of the north of India year-round however it is much worse during the winter months.

Pollution levels were 15 times the World Health Organisations limit and as the haze worsened, many of the Sri Lankan players returned wearing face masks.

Delhi officials have been accused of not properly preparing for the pollution crisis which has become annual each winter while the Indian government has played down the urgency and health risks associated with the issue.

The poor air in the city is the result of road dust, open fires, vehicles exhaust fumes, the burning of crop residues and industrial emissions.

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