The fourth T20 International between India and South Africa was abandoned on Wednesday in Lucknow without a ball being bowled, due to excessive fog and hazardous air quality. The umpires made the call after multiple inspections, deeming the visibility unsafe for play. The match was scheduled to begin at 7:00 PM IST at the Ekana Stadium, but the toss was delayed, and the umpires conducted six inspections before calling off the match around 9:30 PM IST.

The abandonment of the match means that India maintains their 2-1 lead in the five-match series. The final T20I is scheduled for Friday in Ahmedabad.

The washout has reignited the debate surrounding the BCCI's decision to schedule international matches in North Indian cities during peak winter months, when pollution levels are at their highest. Air quality levels in Lucknow remained in the hazardous category throughout the day, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) crossing 400.

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor voiced his frustration on social media, criticizing the poor air quality in Lucknow and questioning the decision to host the match under such conditions. Tharoor suggested that the BCCI should have scheduled the game in Thiruvananthapuram, where the AQI was around 68. He stated that the visibility was too poor to permit a game of cricket in Lucknow. "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!" Tharoor wrote on X.

Several social media users also commented on the role pollution played in the abandonment. Concerns were raised about player safety and welfare, with some users noting that Hardik Pandya was seen wearing a face mask.

Shubman Gill was ruled out of the T20I series prior to the match, with Sanju Samson expected to replace him as opener. Axar Patel was also ruled out of the remaining T20I series due to illness, and Shahbaz Ahmed was named as his replacement.

The focus now shifts to Ahmedabad for the final T20I, where South Africa will aim to level the series. India, on the other hand, will be looking to secure a series victory.