The fourth T20I between India and South Africa in Lucknow was abandoned without a ball being bowled due to extremely poor visibility caused by heavy fog. Although air quality in the city was also a major concern, with the AQI hovering in the early-to-mid 400s and classified as hazardous, the final decision to call off the match was taken solely because the umpires were unable to see clearly enough to allow play.
India, who currently lead the five-match series 2-1, have now extended their unbeaten run in T20I series to 15. The result means the series will be decided in the fifth and final T20I, scheduled to be played in Ahmedabad on Friday.
Umpires carried out six separate inspections throughout the evening in the hope that conditions would improve. As part of the checks, one of the officials moved to the square boundary to test visibility by trying to spot the white ball held up near the pitch. Despite waiting for several hours, the fog failed to lift, and play was officially called off at 9.26pm local time.
The incident has once again raised questions about scheduling international cricket in north India during winter. Poor visibility, fog, and dangerous air quality have often disrupted matches in this region. In recent years, the BCCI has taken steps to avoid such issues, including rescheduling a Test match from Delhi to a period before Diwali, when pollution levels are typically lower.
South Africa’s tour of India will conclude in Ahmedabad. It has been a mixed but eventful tour, with the visitors securing a dominant 2-0 Test series win, while India claimed the ODI series 2-1. In the T20Is, India have registered two convincing victories to take the lead, but were denied the chance to wrap up the series in Lucknow due to the weather.
India will also be encouraged by the return of Jasprit Bumrah, who rejoined the squad in Lucknow after missing the previous match for personal reasons. His presence adds further confidence ahead of the series decider in his hometown.
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