December T20I in Lucknow? Fans slam BCCI after dense fog delays IND vs SA clash

Cricket fans expressed their anger and disappointment with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) after the fourth T20I between India and South Africa experienced a delayed start on Wednesday, December 17, due to dense fog. The match, scheduled to take place at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow, saw the toss postponed indefinitely as a thick layer of fog descended upon the stadium.

The umpires prioritized player safety, deeming the conditions unsuitable for play due to severely reduced visibility. This decision left fans frustrated, leading to questions about the BCCI's choice to host an international match in a northern Indian city during the peak of winter. Many felt that the board should have foreseen the weather-related challenges that commonly affect the region during this period.

North India often experiences dense fog during the winter months due to sharp temperature drops. Lucknow has seen a significant decrease in temperature since the beginning of December, resulting in poor visibility during both nighttime and early morning hours.

Former South African bowler Dale Steyn commented on the conditions in Lucknow, noting that visibility was significantly impaired even the day before the match. Steyn stated that he could barely see 20 meters ahead at 8 pm on Tuesday, highlighting the difficulties of hosting a T20I in Lucknow during the winter.

According to local sources in Lucknow, the fog had worsened in recent days, accompanied by a sudden drop in temperatures. The city has been experiencing intense cold, with thick fog blanketing the streets at night and in the early morning, affecting visibility.

This is not the first instance this year where the BCCI's scheduling decisions have faced criticism. Earlier in 2024, the board's decision to schedule a Test match in Delhi's Arun Jaitley Stadium in November raised concerns due to the city's well-known air quality issues around Diwali. The BCCI was eventually forced to relocate the India vs West Indies Test match to Kolkata after widespread concerns were voiced by fans and experts.

During the ongoing T20I series, the BCCI also faced criticism for scheduling a match in Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh, where nighttime temperatures can fall to 4-5 degrees Celsius. These cold conditions posed challenges for players, especially those unaccustomed to such low temperatures. Indian spinner Varun Chakravarthy admitted to struggling with the cold and jokingly mentioned using multiple blankets to stay warm.

Furthermore, Hardik Pandya was seen wearing a mask during a training session in Lucknow on Wednesday, as air quality in the city reached hazardous levels. This sparked further outrage among fans, who criticized the BCCI and local authorities for the poor health and safety standards.

The toss was delayed multiple times on Wednesday due to the low visibility, leaving fans waiting in the stands. Eventually, the umpires called the players indoors at 7:30 pm.