Dense smog… AQI 411, no cricket possible: Shashi Tharoor’s stinging post after Lucknow T20I is lost to 'excessive fog'

The T20 International cricket match between India and South Africa in Lucknow was canceled on Wednesday because of persistent fog and hazardous air quality. Following the abandonment of the match, Congress leader Shashi Tharoor voiced strong disapproval of the decision to hold the game in Lucknow, given the dangerous air quality levels. He suggested that Thiruvananthapuram would have been a more suitable alternative.

The game, the fourth in the series, was scheduled to take place at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium. That said, the reality is a bit more complicated. the persistent fog made playing conditions impossible. The toss was initially delayed from 6:30 PM to 6:50 PM, followed by inspections. Ultimately, umpires called off the match around 9:30 PM due to the continued poor visibility.

Tharoor took to social media to express his concerns regarding the air quality, which had an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 411. He pointed out the health risks for both players and fans, stating that the game should have been scheduled in Thiruvananthapuram, where the AQI was significantly lower at around 68. Concerns about player welfare were heightened when Hardik Pandya was seen wearing a mask during warm-ups. The BCCI later released a statement confirming the match's cancellation due to the unsafe conditions caused by the fog.

Despite the abandoned match, India still leads the five-match series 2-1. The final game is scheduled for December 19 in Ahmedabad.