The abandonment sparked fresh debate about the timing and location of international fixtures in northern India during winter. Notably, this was the third match of the series staged in the region despite smog and weather risks. The second and third T20Is were played in New Chandigarh and Dharamsala, respectively.
Umpires conducted the first inspection about 20 minutes after the scheduled toss time. As visibility failed to improve, inspections continued through the evening. Nearly six checks were carried out before the match was finally called off at 9:30 pm.
Hardik Pandya wore a surgical mask during the initial warm-up. After the second delay, players stopped warming up and returned to the dressing rooms. By around 9 pm, many spectators began leaving the stadium as uncertainty over the start of play dragged on.
Rajeev Shukla Seen Frustrated During Visibility Checks in Lucknow
The tough conditions also surprised the players. India spinner Varun Chakravarthy said that he had never played at a venue this cold before and found it difficult to cope with the conditions.
The abandonment again put the BCCI under pressure over its planning. Air quality had already been a concern earlier in the series, with the match in New Chandigarh played in severe pollution and the Dharamsala game held when air quality was rated poor.
They Should’ve Scheduled the Game in Thiruvananthapuram - Shashi Tharoor
Tharoor said that fans were left waiting without any clarity while conditions continued to worsen. He also questioned the decision to host an international match in Lucknow under such circumstances. Tharoor added that the game could have been scheduled in Thiruvananthapuram.
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…
— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) December 17, 2025Also read: KKR made a huge mistake? Ex-India captain tears into "Hit-and-Miss" Matheesha Pathirana signing
Hence then, the article about rajeev shukla expresses frustration after india south africa 4th t20i called off due to dense smog in lucknow was published today ( ) and is available on cricketaddictor ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Rajeev Shukla expresses frustration after India-South Africa 4th T20I called off due to dense smog in Lucknow )
Also on site :