Two significant international incidents in one week have highlighted that India's big events are no longer limited to star power or the allure of sports; disorder and environmental dangers have turned them into international embarrassments.
In Kolkata, Lionel Messi's visit drew millions of fans, but what was supposed to be a memorable day turned into chaos, with stadium pandemonium and upset spectators. Meanwhile, in Lucknow on Wednesday, anticipation for the India-South Africa fourth T20 match dissipated as pollution and fog led to its cancellation pre-toss.
Star footballer Lionel Messi landed in Kolkata on December 13 under the GOAT India Tour 2025. His brief appearance was marked by chaos. At Salt Lake Stadium (Vivekananda Yuva Bharati Krirangan-VYBK), Messi was visible for mere minutes, but most fans couldn't even get a glance. Frustrated spectators broke security barriers, creating more 'uproar than Messi.' What should have been a memorable day for football fans was overshadowed by disorder and anger. Management flaws turned the entire event into an internationally embarrassing episode.
Just four days later, the scheduled fourth T20 match between India and South Africa in Lucknow was called off without a toss. The blame was not on cricket but on pollution and fog. Lucknow's Air Quality Index (AQI) reportedly soared to an alarming level of 490, posing a direct threat to players and spectators alike. Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya was seen wearing a mask during warm-ups, and the image quickly went viral on social media.
Rajeev Shukla, Vice President of the Indian Cricket Control Board (BCCI), visited the ground and expressed disappointment after inspection, acknowledging the need for a serious review of the winter schedule in Northern India.
The match was set to start at 7 PM, but after six inspections, it was canceled at 9:30 PM. Both teams then proceeded to Ahmedabad for the series decider. Though officially attributed to fog, spectators at Lucknow and those watching live on TV could clearly see the smog mingled in the air.
The UP government contended that the alarming AQI near 500 was due to inaccurate data records by foreign apps, claiming Lucknow's AQI the previous day was less than 200, according to a government press release. Whatever the truth, the match was canceled, and the world knows it.
The criticism is centered on the BCCI's scheduling and venue decisions as fog, cold, and pollution are commonplace in cities like Chandigarh, Dharamshala, and Lucknow during November and December. Spinner Varun Chakravarthy noted 'quite challenging' conditions during the T20 in Dharamshala.
Source: aajtak
These incidences highlight that international event success doesn’t solely rely on sports or stars. Venue, weather, and environmental safety are equally crucial. Messi's chaotic visit and Lucknow's pollution underscore that neglecting management and environmental risks guarantees international embarrassment.
This poses a challenge for the BCCI and organizers to schedule future events more prudently. Ensuring the safety of players and fans should be a top priority, scheduling events where weather and environmental conditions are safe. Failing that, India risks not only its hosting credibility but also faces international scrutiny.
