Should the fourth T20I have been scheduled for the afternoon?
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Synopsis
The abrupt cancellation of the fourth T20I in Lucknow due to dense fog has ignited frustration among fans, who argue that scheduling the match in the afternoon could have prevented the visibility issues. With weather forecasts readily available, spectators feel disappointed by the BCCI's decision to hold the match in the evening. Will the match be rescheduled?
Key Takeaways
- Match Cancellation: The fourth T20I was called off due to dense fog.
- Fan Frustration: Spectators expressed disappointment over the match timing.
- Weather Alerts: IMD had warned of very dense fog in the region.
- Scheduling Misstep: Many believe afternoon scheduling could have avoided cancellation.
- Safety Concerns: The priority remains on players’ safety amidst poor visibility.
Lucknow, Dec 18 (NationPress) The cancellation of the fourth T20I between India and South Africa in Lucknow due to dense fog has left fans feeling frustrated, as many believed the match would have been better suited for the afternoon to mitigate visibility challenges often faced during the winter months in northern and central India.
At the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, umpires Rohan Pandit and K.N. Ananthapadmanabhan conducted six inspections, but the fog worsened as night fell and the AQI level approached 400, leading to the decision to call off the match.
“We were eager for a win, but now the match is canceled. I was looking forward to seeing Shubman Gill play,” expressed a young boy to IANS outside the stadium.
Another fan voiced a desire for the game to be rescheduled, saying, “The crowd waited a long time, even until the end, hoping for the match. It’s disappointing. We want this match to be rescheduled.”
Earlier in the week, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued an orange alert for ‘very dense fog’ across 13 districts in eastern and central Uttar Pradesh, along with a yellow alert for dense fog in 27 districts spanning the state.
BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla, who has considerable influence within the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA), spoke with the umpires, but the fog remained unyielding.
After the match was abandoned, there was significant backlash regarding the scheduling of the event at this time of year from the BCCI’s Tours and Fixtures Committee.
“Weather predictions are quite accurate these days. If we had known, the match could have been played in the afternoon, from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.. Had it been held during the day, we wouldn’t have faced these issues,” said another disappointed fan.
This fan affirmed that hosting the game in winter in Lucknow was indeed a misstep. “Yes, this was a mistake. They need to be mindful of this, as many fans travel from afar and purchase tickets with their hard-earned money. The emotional connection to the Indian team runs deep, and such cancellations hurt everyone.”
“I don’t want to express anger, as safety is paramount. The safety of our players is crucial, and we wouldn’t want anyone injured. But this should have been anticipated. Weather forecasts are reliable. The game should have been scheduled for the afternoon,” he concluded.
Point of View
It is vital to recognize the myriad of emotions surrounding the cancellation of this match. Fans invest their time and money, hoping to witness their heroes in action. The BCCI must prioritize fan experience and safety while also learning from this incident to ensure better scheduling in the future.
NationPress
18/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the fourth T20I canceled?
The match was canceled due to dense fog, which severely impacted visibility.
Could the match have been scheduled differently?
Many fans believe the game should have been played in the afternoon to avoid fog-related visibility issues.
What actions were taken by the umpires?
Umpires conducted six inspections but deemed the conditions unplayable as fog worsened.
Is there a possibility of rescheduling the match?
Fans are advocating for the match to be rescheduled, but no official announcement has been made yet.
What was the air quality index during the match?
The AQI levels neared 400, indicating poor air quality and hazardous conditions.
