The fourth T20 International match to be played between India and South Africa in Lucknow was lost due to dense fog and very poor visibility. After the cancellation of the match, a big question has arisen regarding ticket refund and match scheduling. Thousands of spectators returned disappointed after the match was canceled without a single ball being bowled at the BRSABV Ekana Stadium, while the debate once again intensified over BCCI’s arrangements and policy of holding matches in North India in winter. However, Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA) announced on Thursday that full refund of ticket money will be given to the spectators.
After the cancellation of the match, BCCI Secretary Devjit Saikia made it clear that it is the responsibility of Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association to give refunds to the ticket holders, because the state association has the complete rights of hosting and ticketing. This incident not only affects the picture of the series, but also raises serious questions on the organization of international matches in the future in view of the weather and pollution.
Also read:When Nathan Lyon broke the record, why did Glenn McGrath start throwing the chair?
India ahead 2-1 after match was canceled
To start this match to be played at BRSABV Ekana Stadium in Lucknow, on-field umpire K.N. Ananthapadmanabhan, Rohan Pandit and reserve umpire JR. Madangopal inspected the ground several times but the situation did not improve. Ultimately the decision to cancel the match was taken at 9.30 pm.
After the cancellation of this match, India is leading 2-1 in the five-match T20 series. Now the last and decisive match of the series will be played on Friday at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
The cancellation of the fourth T20 has once again intensified the debate regarding organizing international matches in North India in winter. Especially when this series is considered important for the preparation of the Men’s T20 World Cup to be held in February-March. This was the first time that a T20 international match was to be played in Lucknow in the month of December.
Also read:Ishan Kishan storms in SMAT finals, equals Abhishek Sharma by scoring a century
Hardik Pandya entered the field wearing a mask due to fog and bad air.
The serious condition of fog and bad air can be gauged from the fact that Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya was seen wearing a mask on the field. At that time the Air Quality Index (AQI) was also at a dangerous level.
On questions being raised about holding matches in North India in winter, Saikia said that it was an extraordinary weather condition. He told that usually this kind of weather is seen in January but this time it came early. Giving an example, he said that recently a match was also held in a cold place like Dharamshala. It is not possible to predict weather and fog in advance and in today’s time cricket has become a year-round game.
Saikia gave information about the schedule
Saikia also told that BCCI has already made changes in the schedule of domestic cricket. Ranji Trophy matches are not held in North India in the first half of January and the tournament is divided into two parts. Matches were held recently in all three places, Chandigarh, Dharamshala and Lucknow, but the situation in Lucknow was completely different and unexpected.
Devjit Saikia also mentioned the earlier decisions taken regarding smog in Delhi. He told that after Diwali, in view of the pollution in Delhi, the venues of India-West Indies Test and India-South Africa Test were changed. If there was any prior warning or indication about Lucknow, such a step could have been taken here also. He said that this time such a form of weather was not expected in advance.
In the end he said that such dense fog is not common in Lucknow at this time of December. Usually such a situation occurs in the first part of January. It is only the second or third week of December, so this kind of weather was really unexpected. For this reason it was not possible to reschedule the match.
How to get money?
UPCA Secretary Prem Manohar Gupta issued a statement saying that the spectators who had booked tickets online will be refunded the ticket amount through the same mode through which they had made the payment. He said that information related to refund will be sent to the email ID entered while booking the ticket and the spectators have been requested to keep an eye on their emails.
Whereas the spectators who had purchased offline tickets can get their refund from the box office located at Gate No. 2 of Ekana Stadium. This facility will be available on 20, 21 and 22 December from 11 am to 6 pm. UPCA has clarified that offline ticket holders will have to appear in person and bring a copy of their government-issued identity card along with their original ticket to avail the refund.
Comments are closed.