Why Was the India vs. SA T20 Match Abandoned Due to Fog?

The fourth T20 match between India and South Africa was abandoned due to hazardous conditions caused by excessive fog and poor air quality, with the air quality index soaring to 400, which is considered extremely unhealthy. This situation raised concerns about pollution levels in Lucknow, where all-rounder Hardik Pandya was seen wearing a mask while warming up, prompting discussions about the impact of environmental factors on sports in India.

Last updated: 11 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The scheduled fourth T20 match between India and South Africa at Ekana Stadium in Lucknow was officially abandoned on Wednesday due to "excessive fog." The umpires made the decision after multiple inspections around 16:00 GMT, long after the scheduled 13:00 GMT toss. This incident highlights the growing concern over environmental conditions affecting sporting events in India, particularly in regions with known air quality issues.

Key takeaways

The match was abandoned due to excessive fog and poor air quality.
The air quality index in Lucknow reached hazardous levels of 400.
Hardik Pandya wore a mask, drawing attention to pollution concerns.
India leads the five-match series 2-1, with the final match scheduled for Friday in Ahmedabad.

Timeline: how we got here

Here’s a brief timeline of events leading up to the abandonment of the match:

09 October 2023: The third T20 match takes place, with India leading the series 2-1.
11 October 2023: The fourth T20 match scheduled for 13:00 GMT is postponed due to fog and poor air quality; the umpires inspect the pitch multiple times before officially calling off the match around 16:00 GMT.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The key development is the abandonment of the match due to excessive fog, which was attributed to high pollution levels in Lucknow. The decision was made after the umpires deemed the conditions unsafe for players.

What was already established

Prior to this incident, air quality issues had been a persistent concern in northern India, particularly in urban areas like Lucknow. The high levels of pollution have frequently affected public health and safety, leading to increased scrutiny during outdoor events.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

While this incident directly affects cricket fans in India, it also raises awareness about environmental health and air quality issues that could resonate with UK audiences, especially as similar pollution challenges are discussed in various UK cities.

Businesses and jobs

Sports events are significant for local economies, and the abandonment of a match can have financial repercussions for local businesses that rely on match-day traffic. This incident may prompt discussions among UK businesses about contingency plans in response to environmental factors.

Policy and regulation

This situation highlights the need for stronger regulatory measures regarding air quality in India, which could lead to improved standards for public health during sporting events. It may also inspire UK policymakers to review their own regulations surrounding outdoor events and air quality monitoring.

Numbers that matter

400: The hazardous air quality index reading around the scheduled start of the match.
2-1: The current lead of India in the five-match T20 series against South Africa.
13:00 GMT: The scheduled time for the toss, which was never conducted.
16:00 GMT: The time when the match was officially called off after multiple inspections.

Definitions and jargon buster

Air Quality Index (AQI): A numerical scale used to communicate how polluted the air currently is or how polluted it is forecast to become.
T20: A format of limited overs cricket in which each team plays a maximum of 20 overs.
Ekana Stadium: A cricket stadium located in Lucknow, India, which hosts international and domestic matches.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

As the final match of the series approaches on Friday, teams may need to consider alternative plans should similar weather conditions persist. Fans should stay updated on air quality reports to ensure safe attendance.

Medium term (1–6 months)

In the medium term, it’s crucial for sporting authorities in India to develop comprehensive strategies to mitigate the effects of poor air quality on sporting events. This may involve collaboration with environmental agencies to monitor and address pollution levels.

Signals to watch

Air quality index readings in Lucknow leading up to the final match.
Responses from cricket governing bodies regarding policies on playing in adverse weather conditions.
Public health advisories related to outdoor activities during periods of high pollution.

Practical guidance

Do

Stay informed about air quality levels before attending outdoor events.
Consider wearing masks in areas with high pollution, especially for sensitive individuals.

Don’t

Ignore public health advisories related to air quality.
Assume all sporting events will proceed as scheduled without considering environmental factors.

Checklist

Check air quality index before attending matches or outdoor events.
Stay updated on official announcements regarding match schedules.
Plan alternative viewing arrangements if matches are postponed or cancelled.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the decision to abandon the match was based on safety concerns, it is essential to consider that air quality can fluctuate. Future matches may still face similar challenges if conditions do not improve. Additionally, the impact of pollution on public health remains a critical area of concern and may influence attendance and participation in outdoor activities.

Bottom line

This incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggles with air quality in India and its implications for public health and sports. As the series progresses, both players and fans will need to adapt to these environmental challenges while prioritising safety.

FAQs

Why was the match abandoned?

The fourth T20 match was abandoned due to excessive fog and hazardous air quality, which made playing conditions unsafe.

What was the air quality index during the match?

The air quality index in Lucknow reached around 400, which is classified as hazardous.

When is the final match of the series scheduled?

The final match of the series is scheduled for Friday in Ahmedabad.