Shashi Tharoor (PTI image)
NEW DELHI: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Wednesday questioned the decision to host the fourth India–South Africa T20I in Lucknow amid dense fog and severe air pollution, after the match was eventually called off due to poor visibility.Tharoor suggested the game should have been scheduled in Thiruvananthapuram, citing significantly better air quality conditions there.In a post on X, the Congress leader said cricket fans were “waiting in vain” as hazardous conditions stalled play.“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!” he wrote. India was scheduled to play the fourth match of the five-T20I series against South Africa at the Ekana Cricket Stadium. However, the toss was repeatedly delayed as thick fog enveloped the venue, forcing umpires to conduct multiple ground inspections through the evening.With visibility failing to improve even after several assessments, match officials eventually called off the game. 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. Former cricketers on the broadcast had warned that delaying the start could make it even harder to complete the match, as fog typically intensifies later in winter evenings.The washout came as an added setback for India, with vice-captain Shubman Gill ruled out of the match due to a toe injury sustained during training. Sanju Samson was expected to open the innings in his absence.India continues to lead the five-match series 2–1 against South Africa.
