The fourth T20I between India and South Africa, scheduled at Lucknow’s Ekana Cricket Stadium on December 17, was abandoned without a ball being bowled due to dense fog and hazardous air quality conditions.
The washout triggered widespread outrage on social media, with fans questioning the BCCI and match organisers for hosting a high-profile evening game in north India amid worsening winter pollution. The criticism grew louder as visuals from the stadium showed near-zero visibility, leaving spectators stranded for hours.
Also Read: 4th T20I: Match abandoned in Lucknow as excessive fog hits Ekana Stadium
Amid the backlash, senior Congress leader and noted cricket enthusiast Shashi Tharoor weighed in, sharply criticising the venue selection and suggesting Thiruvananthapuram as a far more suitable alternative.
‘They should’ve played it in Thiruvananthapuram’: Shashi Tharoor aims venue choice
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Tharoor highlighted the stark contrast in air quality levels between Lucknow and Kerala’s capital city on match night. While Lucknow’s AQI reportedly crossed 400, Thiruvananthapuram recorded a far safer reading of around 68.
“Cricket fans have been waiting in vain for the #INDvSAT20I 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!” Tharoor posted.
His remarks quickly sparked debate online. While some users backed his argument, others responded with sarcasm and regional jibes.
“Bro is appreciating AQI 68 like it’s Switzerland,” one user commented.
Another wrote, “Thiruvananthapuram will get its matches—but only during peak monsoon. Winters are reserved for North India, summers for Chennai.”
Opinions remained divided, but it was the fans inside the stadium who bore the real cost, having waited for hours only to leave disappointed.
The toss, scheduled for 6:30 PM IST, was delayed by over 20 minutes due to poor visibility. Multiple inspections followed as fog continued to thicken, with AQI levels reportedly touching 431. After six inspections stretching until 9:25 PM IST, officials finally called off the match at around 9:30 PM IST.
With the fourth game abandoned, India now lead the five-match series 2-1. The fifth and final T20I, scheduled in Ahmedabad, will act as a decider. South Africa must win to level the series, while India needs only avoid defeat to seal it.
