Shashi Tharoor Advocates for Cricket Matches in South India During Winter Fog
Tharoor's Call for Change in Cricket Scheduling
New Delhi: On Thursday, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor urged that cricket matches scheduled from mid-December to mid-January be held in South India rather than the northern regions, which are often shrouded in heavy fog during this time, to ensure cricket enthusiasts are not disappointed.
Tharoor's comments followed the cancellation of the fourth T20 match between India and South Africa in Lucknow due to poor visibility caused by dense smog. This incident raised significant concerns regarding the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)'s decision to host matches in northern India during the winter months.
"My worry is that from mid-December to mid-January, fog blankets northern India, making it nearly impossible for players to see the ball," Tharoor, a passionate cricket fan, expressed to reporters at the Parliament House.
"The entire nation felt let down when the match between South Africa and India could not take place. Therefore, I propose that matches during this period be held in South India. My hometown, Thiruvananthapuram, boasts a fantastic stadium ready to welcome teams. Come and play here!"
He also mentioned that the women's cricket team is set to play in Thiruvananthapuram at the end of December.
"We should encourage the BCCI to consider weather conditions when planning match schedules," he added.
"Kerala is prepared, and I am confident that other southern regions will not face similar fog and visibility issues. So, from mid-December to mid-January, let's avoid scheduling cricket matches in northern India to prevent disappointing cricket fans," Tharoor concluded.
The Congress MP from Thiruvananthapuram had previously shared his thoughts on the matter in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
Cricket fans have been waiting in vain for the #INDVSSAODI to start in Lucknow. But thanks to dense smog, pervasive in most north Indian cities, and an AQI of 411, visibility is too poor to permit a game of cricket. They should’ve scheduled the game in Thiruvananthapuram, where…
— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) December 17, 2025
"Cricket fans have been waiting in vain for the #INDVSSAODI to start in Lucknow. But thanks to dense smog, pervasive in most north Indian cities, and an AQI of 411, visibility is too poor to permit a game of cricket. They should’ve scheduled the game in Thiruvananthapuram, where AQI is about 68 right now!"