Overview:
The game at the Ekana Stadium didn't see any action, leading to massive flak for the decision-makers for planning multiple games in the winter season in North India.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has addressed fans’ anger after the fourth T20I between India and South Africa in Lucknow was called off due to smog, with vice-president Rajiv Shukla saying that the weather will be taken into consideration before scheduling matches in the future.
The game at the Ekana Stadium didn’t see any action, leading to massive flak for the decision-makers for planning multiple games in the winter season in North India. Speaking to India Today, Shukla acknowledged the disappointment after the match was abandoned.
“Everyone is disappointed as the Lucknow T20I was cancelled. Everything was in place and ready. Inspections were carried out till the last moment. The match was called off due to fog,” he said.
The game in Lucknow was scheduled at 7 pm, but poor visibility delayed the toss and led to six inspections before the officials decided to call off the contest at 9:30 pm. The air quality was in the hazardous zone, impacting players and fans. Shukla mentioned that mid-December to mid-January is challenging in the northern part of the country.
“Fog is a big concern from December 15 to January 15. This aspect will be kept in mind while scheduling matches in the future,” he added. He also highlighted India’s diversity, which gives flexibility in the allocation of matches.
Rajiv Shukla was also seen talking to the umpires as he appeared concerned, knowing the seriousness of the situation.
The BCCI vice-president further added that pollution is not limited to just one city, pointing out that the air quality issues have impacted the NCR and parts of Uttar Pradesh. He explained that it becomes difficult for the fielders to sight the ball near the boundary.
Meanwhile, Fans were angry with the Indian Cricket Board, questioning why other venues were not allotted the matches or why start times were not adjusted.