India vs South Africa T20 Called Off as Dense Fog Brings Play to a Halt
So, here’s what unfolded in Lucknow, and it’s one of those rare days when cricket simply couldn’t win against the elements. The fourth T20 match between India and South Africa was officially abandoned, and the reason given was “excessive fog,” which made playing conditions unsafe at the Ekana Stadium. What made this situation unusual was that the match didn’t even reach the toss stage.
The toss had been scheduled for 13:00 GMT, but as the afternoon progressed, visibility continued to worsen instead of improving. Several inspections were carried out by the umpires, and after hours of waiting, the final decision was taken around 16:00 GMT to call the match off entirely. Not a single ball was bowled, and fans inside and outside the stadium were left disappointed.
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Before the match was abandoned, concerns were already being raised about the conditions in Lucknow. India all-rounder Hardik Pandya was seen wearing a face mask while warming up on the field, which immediately sparked conversations around air quality and pollution levels in the city. At the scheduled start time, the air quality index was reported to be around 400, a level considered hazardous. While many assumed pollution played a role, officials later clarified that the match was abandoned specifically due to excessive fog and not air quality concerns.
According to the statement released, visibility had dropped to a point where player safety could no longer be guaranteed. Fielding, tracking the ball, and even basic movement on the ground would have carried unnecessary risk. In such conditions, calling off the match was seen as the only responsible decision, even though everyone involved was eager for play to begin.
From a series perspective, the abandonment didn’t change much. India continue to lead the five-match T20 series 2–1, keeping them firmly in control heading into the final game. That last match is now set to take place in Ahmedabad on Friday, where conditions are expected to be far more favorable.
While fans missed out on a crucial contest, the bigger takeaway is that player safety was rightly prioritized. Weather and environmental challenges are becoming an increasingly common factor in modern sport, and this match served as another reminder that sometimes, the game has to take a step back. All eyes will now turn to Ahmedabad, where the series is expected to reach its conclusion on the field rather than in the fog.
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