ISLAMABAD: The fourth T20 international between India and South Africa was abandoned without a ball being bowled on Wednesday due to smog in Lucknow, northern India.
The toss, originally scheduled for 6:30 PM local time (1:00 GMT), never took place despite multiple pitch inspections at the Ekana Stadium. The umpires eventually called off the match at 9:30 PM, citing unsafe playing conditions. A statement said the game “has been abandoned due to excessive fog, making playing conditions unsafe.”
T20 world champions India lead the five-match series 2-1 ahead of the final game, scheduled for Friday in Ahmedabad. The series serves as part of the build-up to the T20 World Cup, starting in February in India and Sri Lanka.
Air quality concerns
The abandonment highlighted growing concerns over air pollution in northern India. Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya was seen wearing a mask on the field, prompting social media discussions about deteriorating air quality.
According to monitoring organisation IQAir, PM2.5 levels in parts of Lucknow reached 78 micrograms per cubic metre, more than five times the World Health Organization’s recommended daily maximum, AFP reported.
The agency noted that smog levels across northern India have worsened in recent days, with Delhi recording PM2.5 microparticles more than 20 times WHO limits during football star Lionel Messi’s visit on Monday.
Player and fan experience
Players initially performed drills on the pitch before moving indoors for most of the inspections, while disappointed fans left the stadium amid dense haze. The BCCI faced criticism for scheduling the match in Lucknow during a period prone to poor air quality, with visibility issues contributing to the multiple inspections and eventual cancellation.
With Ahmedabad’s Air Quality Index (AQI) currently at 160, classified as ‘Unhealthy,’ the fifth and final T20I scheduled for Friday is under close scrutiny, with officials closely monitoring conditions to determine whether the match can proceed safely.
With input from wires.
