‘Should've Played In Kerala’: Tharoor After India vs South Africa Lucknow T20 Called Off Due To Fog

Cricket fans in Lucknow were left disappointed after India vs South Africa 4th T20 International was called off without a ball being bowled due to excessive fog. According to BCCI, the toss was supposed to take place at 6:30 PM IST but was delayed at least four times due to excessive fog. The endless wait frustrated everyone and finally, the match was called off at 9:25 PM.

Meanwhile, Congress leader Shashi Tharoor reflected on how fans suffered and questioned the decision to host the match in Lucknow amid dense fog and severe air pollution.

“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,” he said in a post on X.

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…

— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) December 17, 2025

The Air Quality Index (AQI) remained in the hazardous range, above 400 in Lucknow on Wednesday, raising serious questions about the BCCI’s commitment to players’ welfare. Tharoor suggested the game should have been scheduled in Thiruvananthapuram, citing significantly better air quality conditions there.

“They should’ve scheduled the game in Thiruvananthapuram, where AQI is about 68 right now!” he added.

Tharoor was not alone. His post struck a chord with many netizens reigniting debate around the impact of air pollution on public health, outdoor sports, and scheduling of major sporting events.

“Can you IMAGINE? The 4th T20I match between India and South Africa delayed due to pollution in Lucknow. Hardik Pandya was seen wearing a face mask. It is very dangerous for players to play in this deadly toxic air,” a user commented.

“Match delayed due to pollution. Lucknow hits 400+ AQI, pollution doesn’t care about state borders. This isn’t fog, it’s smog. Delhi today, Lucknow tomorrow, the rest of India next. We need a national response, led from the top,” commented another.

Both teams remained in their dressing rooms for most of the evening as conditions worsened after sunset.The India Meteorological Department had earlier issued an orange alert for very dense fog in several parts of Uttar Pradesh, with visibility at the stadium severely affected.

North India is witnessing a sharp deterioration in air quality due to a combination of vehicular emissions, industrial pollution, crop residue burning, and meteorological factors.

Delhi’s air quality showed marginal improvement on Wednesday morning but remained in the “very poor” category. At 9 am, the national capital recorded an AQI of 328, down from 377 a day earlier, even as dense smog continued to cover large parts of the city. Out of 40 air quality monitoring stations in Delhi, 30 recorded “very poor” air quality, with Bawana registering the worst AQI at 376.