The excitement of a T20 International match in Lucknow turned into widespread disappointment and frustration as the fourth game between India and South Africa was officially abandoned. The culprit was a combination of excessive fog and poor air quality at the Ekana Stadium, which made play impossible.
Match Called Off After Multiple Inspections
The highly anticipated clash, originally set for a 7:00 PM start on Wednesday, never got off the ground. Umpires conducted a total of six separate inspections of the playing conditions in the hope that visibility would improve. However, with no sign of the dense fog lifting, the officials had no choice but to call off the match at 9:25 PM. Notably, the toss could not even take place.
The situation was severe enough that the players, who had begun their warm-ups, were forced to abandon them by 7:30 PM and retreat to the safety of their dressing rooms. The air quality was a significant concern, highlighted when Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya was seen wearing a mask on the field.
Fan Outcry and Heartbreak in Lucknow
The cancellation triggered an immediate and emotional response from the thousands of fans who had filled the stadium. The primary demand was for a full refund of their ticket prices, with many expressing deep personal disappointment.
One distraught fan revealed the extent of his sacrifice, stating, "I sold three sacks of wheat and came here to watch the match. I want my money back." Another echoed the sentiment of heartbreak beyond financial loss: "Tickets and reimbursement are irrelevant. We wanted to see the match, see our Indian Cricket Team. I am heartbroken. Had the BCCI scheduled the match during the day, at least we would have watched the game."
The visible disappointment extended to officials as well. BCCI vice-president Rajiv Shukla, who was present at the venue, was seen in discussions with the umpires, his body language clearly conveying his dismay at the situation.
Scheduling and Future Implications
This incident has once again raised serious questions about the Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) scheduling of international matches in northern India during the peak winter months. Fog and poor air quality are predictable challenges in the region in December, leading to calls for better planning.
With this match abandoned, the focus now shifts to Ahmedabad, which will host the series finale on Friday. Meanwhile, the fans in Lucknow are left with memories of a night out that promised thrilling cricket but delivered only cold fog and a plea for their money back.
