Cricket Match Abandoned in Lucknow Due to Poor Air Quality

Match Canceled Amidst Dense Fog

On Wednesday, a cricket match between India and South Africa was abandoned due to heavy fog in Lucknow.

The fourth T20 International at Ekana Stadium was called off without any play occurring.

Although the toss was set for 6:30 PM, it never happened despite multiple inspections by officials. By 9:30 PM, the umpires decided to cancel the match.

This match was the second to last in a five-match series, with India currently leading 2-1. The concluding match is scheduled for Friday in Ahmedabad.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India cited “excessive fog” as the reason for the cancellation, stating that it rendered the playing conditions unsafe.

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However, many fans and political figures took to social media to argue that the low visibility was due to air pollution.

Akhilesh Yadav, former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, remarked that pollution from Delhi has now affected Lucknow. He stated, “The reason for the cancellation of the international cricket match is not fog, but smog.”

Yadav further criticized the ruling BJP government, claiming they are ruining the parks designed for clean air in Lucknow by hosting investment events there. He urged people to cover their faces due to the pollution.

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor also commented on the situation, attributing the poor visibility to “dense smog” prevalent in many northern Indian cities. He suggested that the match should have been held in Thiruvananthapuram, where the air quality index (AQI) was significantly better at that time.

Indian cricketer Hardik Pandya was spotted wearing a face mask at the stadium. Players conducted their pre-match practice before retreating indoors, as reported by AFP.

Air Quality Concerns

The AQI in Lucknow at 7 PM, when the match would have started, was recorded at 410, indicating severe air pollution levels.

An AQI reading between 401 and 450 signifies “severe” pollution, which poses serious health risks even to healthy individuals.

In response to the pollution concerns, BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla acknowledged the issue, stating that the board would address it when planning future events. He noted that fog is a recurring problem in northern India during winter.

This incident is not the first time air quality has disrupted a cricket match in India. In December 2017, a Test match between India and Sri Lanka faced interruptions due to poor air quality in Delhi, with players reportedly suffering from vomiting due to the conditions.

Nic Pothas, the Sri Lankan coach at the time, highlighted the documented high pollution levels in Delhi, stating that it was abnormal for players to endure such conditions while playing.