Archive · 19 Dec 2025
IND vs SA T20I Abandoned Due to Smog
The cricket match between India and South Africa in Lucknow was canceled because it was too smoggy.
The air quality was very bad, with a high AQI, making it unsafe for the players and hard to see.
Fans who came to watch the match were upset and asked for their money back.
Some people, like politicians Akhilesh Yadav and Shashi Tharoor, said the match should have been scheduled in a place with better air quality, like Thiruvananthapuram.
The next match will be in Ahmedabad.
Players and fans had to wait for a long time before the match was finally called off.
The BCCI admitted they need to think more about scheduling matches in North India during winter when fog is common.
The 4th T20I between India and South Africa was abandoned due to excessive smog and hazardous air quality in Lucknow.
Six inspections were conducted before the match was officially called off at 9:25 PM without the toss being held.
Fans demanded refunds for their tickets, expressing disappointment and heartbreak over the cancellation.
Politicians like Akhilesh Yadav and Shashi Tharoor criticized the venue choice, suggesting better alternatives like Thiruvananthapuram.
The next match will be played in Ahmedabad on December 19, with India leading the series 2-1.
- Who
- India and South Africa cricket teams, fans, BCCI, umpires, politicians like Akhilesh Yadav and Shashi Tharoor
- What
- Abandonment of the 4th T20I due to smog and poor air quality
- When
- Wednesday, December 17, 2025
- Where
- Ekana Stadium, Lucknow
- Why
- Excessive smog and hazardous air quality (AQI above 400) made play impossible
Venue Selection Critics
BCCI and Authorities
Venue Choice
Venue Selection Critics
Critics argue that the match should have been scheduled in a city with better air quality, like Thiruvananthapuram, to avoid such cancellations.
BCCI and Authorities
BCCI and authorities likely chose Lucknow for logistical or scheduling reasons, possibly unaware of the severe pollution levels.
- Match
- IND vs SA 4th T20I
- Location
- Ekana Stadium, Lucknow
- Date
- Wednesday, December 17, 2025
- Time of Abandonment
- 9:25 PM
- AQI in Lucknow
- Above 400 (Hazardous)
- Next Match Location
- Ahmedabad
- Suggested Alternative Venue
- Thiruvananthapuram (AQI ~68)
- Reason for Abandonment
- Excessive smog and hazardous air quality
- Series Status
- India leads 2-1
- Player Absences
- Axar Patel (illness), Shubman Gill (toe injury)
Sources
‘I want my money back...I am heartbroken’ - Lucknow fans demand refund after IND vs SA 4th T20I abandoned due to fog
'Reduced To Laughing Stock..': Fans React After IND Vs SA 4th T20I Becomes First Ever Game To Be Called Off Due To Pollution
'Should’ve Scheduled Game In Thiruvananthapuram': Shashi Tharoor After IND Vs SA 4th T20I Called Off Due To Smog, Bad AQI In Lucknow
India vs SA 4th T20I abandoned: Tharoor says AQI in North Indian cities too poor, should've played in Thiruvananthapuram
‘I sold three sacks of wheat and came here. Want my money back…’: Angry fans demand refund as IND vs SA Lucknow T20I called off
Cricket can’t breathe: Lessons for BCCI after Lucknow T20I abandonment due to low visibility
Fourth T20I Between India, South Africa Abandoned Due to Excessive Fog in Lucknow
'Should Have Played In Thiruvananthapuram': Tharoor
'Delhi Pollution Reaching Lucknow, Reason for Rescheduling of T20 Match': SP Leader Akhilesh Yadav
Lucknow: India vs South Africa cricket match abandoned due to ‘fog’, Opposition says it was smog
'I Want My Money Back': Cricket Fans Express Anger & Disappointment As Excessive Fog Forces Abandonment Of IND vs SA 4th T20 Match; Video
‘If they walk past again, we should grab them for clarity’: Uthappa, Steyn question match officials over 6 fog inspections in Lucknow T20I
Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma to Feature in Overseas T20 Leagues? IPL Chairman Gives Much-Needed Clarity
'Sold three sacks of wheat, I want my money back'
Fog abandons Lucknow T20: When was the last time a cricket match was abandoned due to fog?
India Vs South Africa: Will Fog Cancel 5th T20I In Ahmedabad As Well?
If India Win The Series, I Would Say Well Played As They Deserve It : Dale Steyn
Fourth T20 called off due to excessive fog
Shashi Tharoor's 'Come To Kerala' Tip To Rajeev Shukla After Fog Hits Lucknow T20
BCCI to review winter matches in North India, says Rajeev Shukla after Lucknow match abandoned due to fog
Why workload management is crucial for Bumrah
UP govt warns against 'misleading' AQI apps
BCCI’s Rajeev Shukla admits scheduling concerns after Shashi Tharoor raises Lucknow T20 issue in Parliament: ‘Come to Kerala’
'Grab Them, Ask For Clarity': Dale Steyn Blasts Umpires After 'Excessive Fog' Abandons Ind vs SA 4th T20I
Shashi Tharoor makes ‘Kerala’ pitch to Rajiv Shukla after Lucknow fog dampens IND vs SA; BCCI VP says ‘will look into…’
'Saree Matches Kerala...': Rajeev Shukla & Shashi Tharoor's Banter Over IND vs SA T20 Cancellation In Lucknow Due To Excessive Fog Goes Viral; Video
No matches in north during fog season please, don't cheat cricket lovers: Shashi Tharoor to BCCI
UPCA to process ticket refunds after India vs SA T20I abandoned due to fog: BCCI
‘AQI 68 right now’: Tharoor’s ‘come to Kerala’ advice to BCCI after India-SA T20 cancelled due to fog
‘Need to review scheduling of matches between 15 Dec to 15 Jan in North India’: BCCI’s Rajeev Shukla after IND vs SA 4th T20I gets called off due to fog in Lucknow
‘Kerala aaiye’: Shashi Tharoor urges BCCI to shift winter matches to South as fog shrouds north India
India vs South Africa 5th T20 Match: Date, Time, Squad, Predicted Playing XI, Other Details
No matches in north during fog season please, don't cheat cricket lovers: Tharoor to BCCI
No Matches in North During Fog Season Please: Tharoor to BCCI
BCCI reacts to ticket refund demands over abandoned IND vs SA 4th T20I: 'Under domain of state'
UPCA to refund ticket prices after abandonment of 4th T20I
