The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) faced the wrath of disappointed fans on Wednesday, December 17, after the India-South Africa fourth T20 match was called off. The game at Lucknow's Ekana Stadium was shrouded in dense fog, leading officials to indefinitely postpone the toss.
In a move that prioritized players' safety, umpires chose not to take any chances with the drastically reduced visibility. Spectators at the stadium appeared disheartened and questioned BCCI’s choice to schedule international matches in North India during peak winter. Many fans felt the board should have anticipated such weather conditions in Northern India.
Fans Question BCCI's Decision
In winters, many states in Northern India experience severe cold and dense fog as temperatures plummet rapidly across the Northern Hemisphere. Key cities in Northern India, including Lucknow, have recorded significant temperature drops since the first week of December, resulting in drastically reduced visibility at night and in the early hours.
IND vs SA 4th T20I Live Score: Awaiting Toss Decision in Foggy Lucknow, Verdict at 8:30 PM
Dale Steyn Expresses Concerns
Former South African fast bowler and current commentator Dale Steyn openly discussed Lucknow's challenging conditions. He recounted poor visibility on the day before the match, stating that around 8 PM on Tuesday, visibility extended only 20 meters ahead. His comments emphasized the challenges of hosting T20 internationals in cities like Lucknow during winters.
The toss on Wednesday was scheduled for 6:30 PM but was indefinitely postponed as the conditions were deemed unfit for play. Locals in Lucknow told Aaj Tak that fog had thickened over recent days, and temperatures had dropped abruptly.
Issue Raised Before
This isn't the first time BCCI's match scheduling has faced scrutiny. Back in 2024, the board faced immediate concerns over a Test match scheduled in Delhi's Arun Jaitley Stadium in November, a time when Delhi experiences hazardous air quality levels.
As air pollution peaks around Diwali in Delhi, fans and experts raised alarms, forcing BCCI to shift the India vs. West Indies Test match from Delhi to Kolkata.
Concerns in Dharamshala Scheduling
During the same T20 series, BCCI faced criticism for scheduling a match in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, where nighttime temperatures dip to 4-5 degrees Celsius. Playing in such cold proved highly challenging, especially for players unfamiliar with the conditions.
Indian spinner Varun Chakravarthy was among players struggling in the cold. He humorously mentioned having to resort to extra blankets in his hotel room, highlighting the discomfort faced by players.
