Fog Forces Abandonment of India–South Africa T20I in Lucknow, Fans Leave Heartbroken

What was meant to be a festive night of international cricket in Lucknow ended in disappointment on Wednesday after the fourth T20I between India and South Africa was abandoned without a ball being bowled due to dense fog.

Visibility at the Ekana Cricket Stadium failed to improve despite multiple inspections, and after more than two hours of delay, the umpires called off the match at 9:25 pm IST. The decision sparked frustration among thousands of spectators who had waited in the cold stands hoping conditions would clear.

For many fans, the disappointment went beyond a wasted evening. One supporter said he had sold agricultural produce to afford the trip.

“I sold three sacks of wheat to come here and watch the match. I want my money back,” he said.

Others questioned the scheduling of a night match in northern India in December, when fog frequently disrupts travel and sporting events.

“It would have been better if the match was held earlier in the day. Tickets and refunds are secondary — we wanted to see our Indian cricket team play,” another fan said.

The abandonment was especially painful for those who had travelled long distances.

“I am heartbroken,” said one supporter. Another, who travelled from Agra, said, “We are all fans of the Indian team. I came from Agra early in the morning and now I’m extremely disappointed.”

As fans exited the stadium, calls for better planning grew louder.

“The BCCI should not schedule matches in Lucknow at this time of year,” one spectator said, while another added, “The venue should have been changed. Everyone knows how bad the fog gets here.”

Although BCCI policy provides for refunds when a match is abandoned without play, many fans said compensation could not make up for the lost opportunity to watch the national team in action, especially after investing time, money and effort to attend.

The series now moves to Ahmedabad for the fifth and final T20I on December 19. For fans in Lucknow, however, the evening will be remembered not for cricket, but for dense fog, empty scoreboards and dashed expectations.