‘Come to Kerala’: Shashi Tharoor Takes Dig at Rajeev Shukla After Fog Halts Lucknow T20 Match

A fog-hit international match in Lucknow has triggered a wider debate that now blends cricket administration, air quality concerns and political sparring.

After the India-South Africa fourth T20I was abandoned due to poor visibility, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor used the moment to question winter scheduling choices and took a pointed dig at BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla, suggesting that Kerala would be a better host during this season.

Fog Forces Abandonment of Lucknow T20I

The fourth T20 match of the five-game series between India and South Africa, scheduled at Lucknow's Ekana Cricket Stadium, was called off at around 9.30 pm after dense fog reduced visibility to unsafe levels.

Players were unable to continue as conditions worsened, leaving thousands of spectators disappointed. Fans later voiced their frustration over the cancellation, calling for better planning to avoid such disruptions.

Tharoor Pushes for Winter Matches in Kerala

Reacting to the washout, Shashi Tharoor took to X to highlight the stark contrast in air quality between north and south India during winter. The Thiruvananthapuram MP pointed out that while the Air Quality Index in several north Indian cities had crossed 411, Kerala's capital reported a far lower AQI of 68. He argued that shifting winter fixtures to the south could help prevent weather-related interruptions and spare fans from repeated heartbreak.

'How Will They Play If They Cannot See the Ball?'

Speaking to reporters outside Parliament, Tharoor expanded on his remarks. "How will they play if they cannot see the ball? That's why I am saying, this pollution problem is not there in South India. The ball can then be seen, we can play well and cricket fans won't be heartbroken," he said. His comments were widely shared, with many supporters echoing concerns over pollution and visibility issues in winter matches held in northern venues.

Exchange With Rajeev Shukla and Political Reactions

When asked about Rajeev Shukla's observation that fog affects much of north India, Tharoor responded, "So why schedule matches in north India at this time? Schedule them in south India. I will tell Rajeev ji." Moments later, Shukla himself joined the conversation, prompting Tharoor to reiterate, "Instead of scheduling matches in north India in January, come to Kerala." Shukla replied that matches are allotted to states, including Kerala, under a rotation policy, but added that the board would take a fresh look at the issue.

The abandoned match also sparked political commentary beyond cricket circles. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav claimed that worsening air pollution, not just fog, was responsible. "The international cricket match in Lucknow could not be played. The reason behind this is not fog, but smog," he wrote on X, accusing the BJP of neglecting environmental concerns. He also altered a well-known Lucknow phrase, saying, "Muh dhak lijiye, aap Lucknow mein hain," urging people to cover their faces in the polluted city.