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In what was utter embarrassment for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Uttar Pradesh government and authorities, the fourth T20I between India and South Africa was called off due to excessive smog at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow on Wednesday. While the match was officially abandoned due to "excessive fog", in reality, it was dense smog which ensured poor visibility, leading to the cancellation of the game.
Fans lashed out at the BCCI over poor scheduling and slammed the Uttar Pradesh government and authorities for the excessive pollution in Lucknow as the 4th T20I between India and South Africa was called off without a ball being bowled. As many as six inspections were conducted by the match officials after the toss was delayed indefinitely due to the smog and fog at the Ekana Stadium.
In the end, the officials decided not to put the players at risk and called off the game. The toss was scheduled at 7:00 PM IST on Wednesday, but the game was called off only at 9:30 PM IST after it became obvious that the smog and visibility were only going to worsen as the night progressed.
The rising pollution levels in India are no secret, and the AQI levels are dropping across Delhi NCR and neighbouring states. The story was no different in Lucknow, where the AQI remained above 400, putting the air in the hazardous category in the capital city of Uttar Pradesh.
Besides a thick blanket of smog, the poor air quality also raised concerns, as many questioned the BCCI for going ahead with the game despite the conditions not being fit for athletes to play. India all-rounder Hardik Pandya was spotted wearing a mask on the field during the Indian team's warm up drill, suggesting the air quality was not fit for a game of cricket.
Fans slammed the BCCI for scheduling a match in Lucknow despite being aware of the conditions in the city. During peak winter conditions in December, the majority of states in northern India are covered in dense fog, leading to severe visibility issues during early morning and night.
Lucknow is one of the major cities in north India and has witnessed a severe dip in temperature over the last few days, including dense fog during both night time and early morning. Many felt BCCI could have hosted the matches in the T20I series in southern venues to avoid weather issues.
India and South Africa will now lock horns in the 5th and final T20I at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on December 19, since there is no reserve day in place in the series. India are currently leading the five-match series 2-1, having won the last game in Dharamshala and will be looking to clinch the series by winning the last game in Ahmedabad.
