Angry fans slam BCCI after Lucknow T20I abandoned due to fog

What was expected to be an exciting evening of international cricket in Lucknow turned into a night of disappointment and anger after the fourth T20I between India and South Africa was called off due to dense fog, with not a single ball bowled.

Despite multiple inspections, visibility at the Ekana Cricket Stadium failed to improve. After a delay of over two hours, the umpires officially abandoned the match at 9:25 pm IST, sparking frustration among thousands of spectators who had remained in the chilly stands, hoping for play to begin.

For many fans, the letdown went far beyond a wasted night. One supporter revealed the personal sacrifice he had made to attend the match. “I sold three sacks of wheat to buy tickets and come here. I want my money back,” he said.

Several spectators questioned the decision to schedule a night match in northern India during December, a period notorious for heavy fog. “It would have been better to play the match earlier in the day. Refunds don’t matter to us—we came to watch our Indian cricket team,” another fan remarked.

The cancellation was particularly heartbreaking for those who had travelled long distances. “I’m completely shattered,” one supporter said.

Another fan, who had journeyed from Agra, shared his disappointment: “I travelled nearly 350 kilometres and left home early in the morning. This is extremely upsetting.”

As fans made their way out of the stadium, criticism of the planning grew stronger. “The BCCI shouldn’t schedule matches in Lucknow at this time of year. Better planning is needed,” one supporter said, while another added, “The venue should have been changed. Everyone knows how severe the fog is here during this season.”

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Although BCCI regulations provide for ticket refunds when a match is abandoned without play, many fans felt compensation could not make up for the missed chance to watch India compete, especially after investing significant time, effort and money.

The series will now shift to Ahmedabad for the fifth and final T20I on December 19. However, for those in Lucknow, the night will be remembered not for cricketing action, but for bitter cold, deserted scoreboards and dashed hopes.