A dense layer of smog in Lucknow forced the abandonment of the India vs South Africa T20I on Wednesday. Poor visibility made the play unsafe at the Ekana Stadium. After the match was halted, the Uttar Pradesh government warned people not to trust private air quality apps that showed much higher pollution levels than official data.
Why the Match Was Called Off?
The fourth T20I between India and South Africa was scheduled on Wednesday evening. But a thick blanket of smog reduced visibility so badly that the play could not start. Multiple checks by umpires could not improve conditions. Eventually, the match was abandoned without a single ball being bowled.
Fans and players had to leave as the game was officially cancelled. Many voiced anger and frustration after their plans were disrupted.
UP Govt Warns Against Private AQI Apps
After the cancellation, the Uttar Pradesh government stated air quality figures. It said some private air quality apps showed high AQI numbers that were “misleading”. Officials warned the public not to trust these figures.
The government said Lucknow’s official AQI was 174, a “moderate” level according to certified instruments. These are used at government-run stations. In contrast, some private apps use foreign benchmarks or unverified data, which can show much higher levels.
Official vs Private Air Quality Data
India uses the National Air Quality Index (NAQI) to measure pollution. This index follows Indian standards and includes a 24-hour average. Government monitoring stations in areas like Lalbagh and Aliganj use calibrated instruments to give reliable readings.
Private apps often show short-term spikes from satellites or uncalibrated sensors. These can be influenced by dust or local traffic. This makes them less accurate for the full city picture, officials said.
Experts also say foreign models, such as those based on US-EPA benchmarks, may not match Indian conditions. This can create confusion and worry among the public.
Criticism Over Scheduling
Critics have said that holding a night match in Lucknow in December was a bad decision. Winter months in northern India often bring smog and fog, which can disrupt visibility.
On social media, fans and observers questioned the timing of the match. Some called the scheduling “irresponsible”. One user wrote, “Have some shame BCCI,” after the match was abandoned.
Even BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla indicated that plans may change in future to avoid winter pollution problems.
Fan Reaction and Refunds
Many supporters were left disappointed. Some had travelled far to see the game live. Refunds were announced by the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association for ticket holders.
One fan said tickets cost him a lot, even selling agricultural produce to make the trip. He demanded a refund, saying he wanted to see the match, not just get money back.
What This Means for Future Matches?
The incident raises questions about how weather and pollution are factored into cricket scheduling. It also highlights the need for clearer public guidance on air quality data. Officials and cricket authorities may now rethink hosting major games in high-pollution months.