Shashi Tharoor Slams BCCI after 4th T20I Cancelled in Lucknow due to Fog; Akhilesh Yadav Targets UP Government

Shashi Tharoor lashes out at BCCI over match venue

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has lashed out at the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) after the 4th T20I between India and South Africa, scheduled at Lucknow’s Ekana Stadium on December 17, was cancelled due to dense fog.

Tharoor questioned the BCCI’s decision to hold an international match in North India during high pollution and poor visibility conditions. He suggested that the match should have been played in Thiruvananthapuram, where air quality remains clearer and weather conditions are more favorable for cricket.

“Match should have been in Thiruvananthapuram,” says Tharoor

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Tharoor wrote, “Cricket fans are waiting in vain for the India vs South Africa match to start in Lucknow. Due to dense fog and AQI levels above 400, visibility is so poor that even the toss is impossible. They should have held this match in Thiruvananthapuram, where the AQI is around 68.”

The Congress MP's remarks come amid rising concern over northern India's worsening air quality this winter. Environmental groups have also raised questions about organizing outdoor events in cities affected by pollution smog.

Akhilesh Yadav targets BJP government

Former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav also weighed in, blaming the BJP government for the situation. In a sharp post on X, he wrote, “Delhi’s pollution has now reached Lucknow. The reason the international cricket match is not happening is not fog, but smog.”

Yadav accused the state government of neglecting environmental welfare and claimed that parks developed under his tenure for clean air are now being “ruined by BJP-led events.” He added, “Members of the BJP are neither friends of humans nor the environment. Cover your face, you are in Lucknow.”

Fans express anger and disappointment

The cancellation left thousands of fans disappointed. Many demanded refunds, expressing frustration over the lack of communication from authorities. One fan said, “We came to watch the match after selling three sacks of wheat. Refund our ticket money.”

Several devotees and cricket enthusiasts, including famous Sachin Tendulkar supporter Sudhir, were present at the stadium. He blew a conch, wishing for India’s victory before the match was eventually called off.

Poor air quality continues to disrupt North India

The India–South Africa 4th T20I was cancelled as visibility dropped to less than 50 meters in Lucknow due to heavy fog and poor AQI levels. Players, including India’s captain Hardik Pandya, were spotted wearing masks.

The recurring pollution and climatic issues in Northern states have reignited the debate on better venue selection and air quality management during winter months. As of now, the next match in the series will proceed as scheduled, with both teams expected to leave Lucknow by late evening.