Refunds Issued for Abandoned India vs South Africa T20I Match

The 4th T20I match between India and South Africa at Ekana Stadium was abandoned due to heavy fog, leading to full refunds for spectators. Rajeev Shukla, Vice-President of BCCI, confirmed that the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association has begun processing refunds. The match, originally scheduled for December 17, was called off after multiple inspections deemed conditions unsuitable for play. Additionally, Indian all-rounder Axar Patel has been ruled out of the series due to illness, with Shahbaz Ahmed stepping in as his replacement. The final T20I is set for December 19 in Ahmedabad.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 19, 2025, 01:59 IST

Spectators to Receive Full Refunds After Match Cancellation

New Delhi, December 18: Rajeev Shukla, who serves as the Vice-President of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and is also a Congress politician, announced that fans who attended the India vs South Africa 4th T20I at Ekana Stadium in Lucknow will be reimbursed after the match was called off due to heavy fog on Wednesday.

In a statement, Shukla confirmed that since no play occurred during the Lucknow T20 match, all ticket holders would receive a complete refund. The Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA) has already started processing these refunds.

“Regarding the Lucknow match that was cancelled, it is evident that if not a single ball is bowled, refunds will be issued. We are coordinating with the UPCA, which has initiated the refund process. Spectators will get their money back,” Shukla stated.

The match was set to commence at 7:30 PM IST on December 17, with the toss scheduled for 7:00 PM IST. However, after six inspections, the umpires determined that conditions were not suitable for play, leading to the match's abandonment without any balls bowled. The last inspection occurred at 9:25 PM IST.

The fifth and final T20I between India and South Africa is scheduled to take place at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on December 19.

Prior to the fourth T20I, Indian all-rounder Axar Patel was ruled out of the remaining matches in the series against South Africa due to illness, as announced by the BCCI on December 15.

Shahbaz Ahmed has been named as Patel's replacement for the remaining T20I fixtures against South Africa.