‘Stop Winter Cricket in North India’: Rajeev Shukla Reacts After Lucknow T20I Abandoned

The fourth India vs South Africa T20 International in Lucknow on December 17, 2025 was abandoned without a single ball being bowled, as a thick blanket of fog and smog enveloped the Ekana Cricket Stadium, making play impossible. The incident has raised serious questions about the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) decision to schedule international matches in North India during the peak winter months.

The match was part of a five-game T20I series between India and South Africa, with India leading 2–1 ahead of the fourth fixture. Scheduled to begin at 7 pm IST, the game faced repeated delays as umpires carried out multiple inspections - reportedly as many as six - in the hope that visibility would improve. However, heavy smog and dense fog caused conditions to worsen as the evening progressed, and by 9:30 pm, officials were left with no option but to abandon the match.

The challenging conditions were clearly visible at the venue. Floodlights struggled to cut through the haze, spectators remained wrapped up against the biting cold and polluted air, and players appeared covered during their warm-up routines. Reports suggested that the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Lucknow had crossed 400, placing it firmly in the hazardous category and compounding concerns over both visibility and health.

The Lucknow T20I abandonment triggered sharp criticism from various quarters. BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla acknowledged the issue, admitting that fog and pollution are “major issues” in northern India during winter. He indicated that the board would reconsider scheduling international cricket matches in such conditions in the future, stressing that environmental factors must be taken into account while finalising tours and venues.

Critics argue that the incident is not an isolated one but part of a recurring pattern. Winter fog and smog frequently affect North Indian cities such as Lucknow, Delhi, Chandigarh, Jaipur and New Chandigarh, often disrupting both daily life and sporting events. Cricket analysts and fans have questioned why high-profile international fixtures continue to be allocated to regions known for severe winter pollution, suggesting southern and western venues as more viable alternatives during this period.

Social media platforms were flooded with reactions from disappointed fans following the abandonment. Many expressed frustration over missing a rare chance to watch live international cricket, especially as thousands had travelled from across northern India and nearby states. While some supporters demanded full ticket refunds, others accused the BCCI of poor planning and inadequate foresight.

Political voices also entered the debate. Indian Member of Parliament Shashi Tharoor highlighted the disconnect between scheduling decisions and climatic realities, pointing out that cities with significantly better air quality, such as Thiruvananthapuram, could have hosted the fixture. The discussion also centred on whether the board should have anticipated the risks and either changed venues or scheduled a daytime match to avoid peak fog conditions.

The cancellation has intensified concerns not only about matchday logistics but also about player safety and spectator experience. With no reserve day in place, the T20I series now moves to Ahmedabad for the final match, where clearer skies are expected. However, the events in Lucknow may prompt the BCCI to rethink how and where winter international cricket in India is scheduled in the years ahead.