IND vs SA 4th T20I Abandoned After 3-Hour Delay Due to Dense Fog in Lucknow

The fourth T20I between India and South Africa in Lucknow ended in disappointment as dense fog forced officials to abandon the contest after a prolonged delay.

Despite multiple inspections and a long wait, conditions at the Ekana Stadium did not improve, resulting in the match being called off without a single ball bowled. With this, India continue to hold a 2-1 lead in the five-match series and remain in a strong position heading into the decider.

Match Called Off After Multiple Inspections

The India vs South Africa fourth T20I was scheduled to begin with the toss at 6.30 pm IST on Wednesday, but excessive fog delayed proceedings right from the start. According to the BCCI, umpires carried out as many as seven inspections at different intervals through the evening as they waited for visibility to improve.

Pitch checks took place at 6.50 pm, 7.30 pm, 8 pm, 8.30 pm and 9 pm, before a final inspection at 9.25 pm. However, with thick fog continuing to blanket the ground, officials had little choice but to abandon the game entirely.

Fog and Pollution Spark Wider Debate

While dense fog was the official reason behind the abandonment, several social media users pointed to pollution levels as a major contributing factor. The issue drew reactions from across the country, including from Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, who highlighted the impact on spectators and questioned the venue choice.

"Cricket fans have been waiting in vain for the #INDVSSAODI to start in Lucknow. But thanks to dense smog, pervasive in most north Indian cities, and an AQI of 411, visibility is too poor to permit a game of cricket. They should've scheduled the game in Thiruvananthapuram, where AQI is about 68 right now!" Tharoor posted on X.

Robin Uthappa Questions Decision to Wait

The long delay also drew criticism from former India cricketer Robin Uthappa, who was part of the commentary team for the match. As the wait stretched on, Uthappa expressed surprise at the decision to continue inspections despite the persistent fog.

"I am actually befuddled by the umpire's decision. This is not going to get better. I have played first-class cricket in much worse conditions than this. This is way better," said Robin Uthappa.

Axar Patel Ruled Out, Replacement Named

Away from the abandoned match, India were dealt a setback ahead of the fourth T20I with Axar Patel being ruled out of the remaining two matches of the series due to illness. The BCCI confirmed that the all-rounder would stay with the team in Lucknow for further medical assessment.

The BCCI Men's Selection Committee named Shahbaz Ahmed as Axar Patel's replacement for the final two T20Is against South Africa, to be played in Lucknow and Ahmedabad.

Series Decider in Ahmedabad

With the fourth match washed out, the focus now shifts to the fifth and final T20I, which will be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on December 19. India, led by Suryakumar Yadav, will be aiming to secure a series win, while South Africa will look to level the contest.