India vs South Africa 4th T20I abandoned due to fog, former Indian cricketer slams umpires’ decision

What was expected to be a series-defining contest between India and South Africa turned into a night of frustration and debate, as the fourth T20I in Lucknow was abandoned without a ball being bowled due to persistent fog and poor visibility.

India entered the fourth T20I on Wednesday with a 2–1 lead in the five-match series and a chance to seal it on home soil. However, spectators at the Ekana Stadium and millions watching at home were left disappointed as dense fog delayed proceedings repeatedly. The toss, scheduled for 6:30 pm IST, never took place despite multiple pitch inspections stretching late into the night.

Umpires carried out inspections at regular intervals, 6:50 pm, 7:30 pm, 8:00 pm, 8:30 pm, 9:00 pm and finally at 9:25 pm, but conditions failed to improve, forcing officials to call off the match.

Uthappa Questions Umpires’ Call

Former India batter and 2007 T20 World Cup winner Robin Uthappa, who was on commentary duty, expressed clear frustration over the decision. “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,” Uthappa said, questioning whether waiting longer made any sense.

Tharoor Points to Pollution Concerns

The abandonment also drew political attention. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor took to X, highlighting the severe air pollution in north India. Citing an AQI of 411 in Lucknow, he remarked that the match could have been scheduled in Thiruvananthapuram, where air quality was significantly better.

"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!" said Tharoor. 

Team Updates Ahead of Final T20I

Meanwhile, India suffered a setback as all-rounder Axar Patel was ruled out of the remaining matches due to illness. The BCCI confirmed Shahbaz Ahmed as his replacement. The series will now conclude with the fifth T20I at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on December 19.

While the series remains alive, the Lucknow washout has reignited concerns over scheduling, pollution and match management leaving fans hoping for a decisive finish in Ahmedabad.