IND vs SA 4th T20: Smog snatches the thrill of cricket in Lucknow, India-South Africa 4th T20 canceled without toss

The fourth T20 match between India and South Africa to be played on Wednesday at Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow became a victim of dense smog. Due to poor visibility neither the toss could take place nor even a single ball could be bowled. Ultimately the umpires decided to cancel the match due to security reasons.

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With the cancellation of this match, once again questions have been raised on organizing international matches in North India in winter. From cricket fans to former players and politicians have expressed their displeasure over the scheduling decisions of BCCI.

Dense smog covered the field, making play impossible.

A thick blanket of smog covered the stadium in Lucknow on Wednesday evening. The situation became such that the pitch was not clearly visible from the stands. It was considered extremely dangerous for fielders to track the ball in the air, due to which the match officials decided not to start the game. Air Quality Index (AQI) also remained in very poor condition. According to AQI.in, Lucknow’s AQI crossed 400, which falls in the ‘severe’ category.

Inspection was done six times, still the situation did not improve

The match referee and umpires inspected the field a total of six times. The first inspection took place at 6:50 pm, followed by 7:30, 8:00, 8:30, 9:00 and the last time at 9:25. During the 7:30 pm inspection, the umpires also conducted an on-field visibility test, which examined the visibility between the pitch and the boundary, but the result was disappointing. During this time, BCCI Vice President and UPCA President Rajiv Shukla also reached the field to take stock of the situation. After every inspection, the conclusion was that it is not safe to hold the game.

Fans disappointed, players returned to dressing room

A large number of spectators had reached the stadium to watch the match, but after waiting for hours they had to return disappointed. South African players initially came to the field for a light warm-up, but due to increasing smog they had to go back to the dressing room. Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya was also seen wearing a mask amid the dense smog.

Dale Steyn expressed concern

South Africa’s legendary fast bowler and current commentator Dale Steyn also expressed concern over the situation in Lucknow. He said, ‘Last night at around 8 pm I had gone to the mall on foot and the situation was really bad. Nothing was visible even 20 meters ahead. “I fear the situation may worsen.”

Questions raised again on holding matches in winter

This is not the first time that an international competition has been affected due to fog or smog. Even before this, many matches have been disrupted in North and East India in winter. Now questions are being raised on the decision of BCCI’s Tour and Fixture Committee regarding scheduling of day-night matches in Lucknow.

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor also questioned why Lucknow was chosen for the match at this time when there are cities with better AQI. India is currently leading 2-1 in the five-match T20 series. The last and decisive match of the series is now to be played on 19th December in Ahmedabad.