In a direct appeal to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Congress Member of Parliament Shashi Tharoor has suggested a significant shift in scheduling international cricket matches during the winter months. His proposal comes in the immediate aftermath of the fourth T20 International between India and South Africa being abandoned due to severe fog and poor air quality in Lucknow.
A Match Called Off: Fog Halts Play in Lucknow
The highly anticipated clash at Lucknow's Ekana Stadium on Thursday, December 18, 2025, was called off after a lengthy delay. The match, originally set for a 7:00 PM start, underwent six separate inspections by the on-field umpires. Despite the hopes of players and a disappointed crowd, officials finally abandoned the game at 9:25 PM, citing unplayable conditions caused by excessive fog and deteriorating air quality. The series will now move to Ahmedabad for the decisive fifth match on Friday.
Tharoor's "Come to Kerala" Pitch to BCCI Official
Spotting BCCI Vice-President Rajiv Shukla outside Parliament in New Delhi, Shashi Tharoor seized the moment to make his case. In a conversation captured by media, Tharoor was heard saying, "Rajiv ji, I was saying that apart from scheduling matches in North India in January, Kerala aaiye (come to Kerala)." The MP from Thiruvananthapuram pitched his home state as an ideal alternative venue during the problematic winter period in northern India.
Shukla responded by acknowledging the issue and assuring Tharoor that the board would review its policy. "Will look into the scheduling. From December 15 to January 15, can we allocate matches to South India instead of North India? Kerala already gets them; there is a rotation policy in place," Shukla stated. When he gently reminded Tharoor that Kerala could not host all matches during that window, the Congress leader laughed and replied, "it will be good for us."
BCCI Acknowledges a "Serious Issue" with Winter Scheduling
Rajiv Shukla had earlier commented on the match cancellation, highlighting the broader problem. He told ANI that the board would need to seriously reconsider hosting matches in North India between mid-December and mid-January. "The match had to be cancelled due to fog. The people were upset about it," Shukla said, confirming the widespread disappointment.
He emphasized that the problem extends beyond international games, affecting domestic cricket as well. "We will need to review the scheduling of matches between 15 December to 15 January in north India to determine whether we need to shift them to south India or west India. Domestic matches are also being affected due to fog. It is a serious issue," the BCCI vice-president concluded. This public exchange underscores the growing logistical challenge weather patterns pose to India's packed cricket calendar and the potential for a geographical rebalancing of match hosting duties.
