The much-anticipated T20 international between India and South Africa in Lucknow was unceremoniously canceled without a ball being bowled due to severe fog, prompting an official statement from the BCCI. Vice president Rajiv Shukla has assured that environmental conditions, including fog and pollution, will play a more significant role in planning future cricket events. The decision to host winter matches in North India had been a subject of discussion, and the Lucknow incident further fueled these concerns. Shukla expressed regret over the cancellation, stating that despite extensive preparations and last-minute inspections, the match had to be abandoned due to the fog. The evening began with a planned 7 pm start, but persistent low visibility led to a series of delays and inspections by match officials. The abandonment was confirmed around 9:30 pm, by which time air quality was reported in a hazardous range, raising questions about player safety and spectator well-being. Shukla acknowledged the known challenges presented by fog between mid-December and mid-January in North India, confirming that this will be a critical consideration for future scheduling. He also pointed out the advantage of India’s diverse geography, which allows for alternative venue choices. During the delays, Shukla was seen on the field, interacting with umpires and observing the visibility checks, conveying a sense of concern. He elaborated on the widespread nature of air pollution, affecting regions like the NCR and UP, and its direct impact on fielding, especially the ability to judge the ball’s trajectory. Social media platforms were flooded with fan reactions, with many questioning the lack of proactive measures and expressing disappointment after waiting for hours in cold and polluted conditions.
