New Delhi: The fourth T20I between India and South Africa at Ekana Stadium in Lucknow was abandoned without a toss on Wednesday due to heavy fog, leaving players and fans frustrated. Scheduled to begin at 7 PM IST, the match was delayed multiple times as visibility remained poor, with six inspections ultimately confirming that play was impossible.
Fans who had gathered at the stadium expressed disappointment, with some demanding refunds. One spectator joked he had “sold three sacks of wheat” to watch the game, highlighting the frustration among attendees. Others suggested that the match should have been scheduled earlier in the day to avoid winter pollution and fog, common in North Indian venues during this season.
The Indian team had begun warm-ups before the toss, with all-rounder Hardik Pandya seen wearing a mask to mitigate the effects of heavy air pollution. The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Lucknow remained in the hazardous range, above 400, raising concerns over players’ safety. BCCI policy allows refunds, minus service charges, when a match is abandoned before a ball is bowled.
India currently leads the five-match series 2–1, following wins in Cuttack and Dharamsala. With the series effectively secured, the fifth and final T20I will take place on Friday in Ahmedabad. Fitness concerns remain, as vice-captain Shubman Gill may miss the remainder of the series due to a toe injury, while all-rounder Axar Patel was already ruled out after the third T20I and replaced by Shahbaz Ahmed.
The Ekana Stadium match was originally scheduled to start at 7 PM but was delayed by over two hours. Players returned to dressing rooms as conditions worsened, and spectators began leaving the venue by 9 PM. BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla attended one of the inspections, displaying visible disappointment at the situation.
The incident has sparked renewed discussion about scheduling matches in North Indian cities during winter months, when fog and pollution can compromise both player safety and fan experience. Both teams will now fly to Ahmedabad for the concluding fixture, with India aiming to cap off the series on a high note.
