The exhilarating T20 series between Team India and South Africa continues, although the much-anticipated fourth match, scheduled for Wednesday at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow, faced an unexpected halt. A thick blanket of fog led to the match being called off, much to the disappointment of eager fans. Even after repeated inspections by the umpires, the toss could not take place, culminating in the agonizing decision to cancel the match.
Reacting to this, Congress leader Shashi Tharoor voiced his thoughts on social media platform 'X', highlighting that fans were eagerly awaiting the showdown between Team India and South Africa. However, the oppressive smog and extremely poor visibility thwarted the event.
He pointed out a pressing issue affecting Northern India, where pollution is now casting a shadow over everyday life and sporting events alike.
Also Read: Match canceled in Lucknow due to dense fog; fourth T20 between India and Africa failed to commence.
In his statement, Tharoor proposed an alternative, suggesting that had the match taken place in Thiruvananthapuram, the scenario would have been distinctly different, with an AQI of around 68, considered to be in the safe zone. This implies that sports can take place more effectively in an environment where the air is cleaner and safer.
In stark contrast, Lucknow recorded an AQI exceeding 300, categorized as very severe, drastically reducing visibility, affecting player safety and the fairness of the match. Consequently, the commencement of the match wasn't feasible, leaving fans despondent.
Tharoor's critique extends beyond a single match, serving as a commentary on the escalating pollution levels in Northern India. He indirectly questioned how grand sporting events are planned when air quality is so detrimental.
