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"Need to shift matches to South or West India": BCCI official breaks silence after fog chaos

Abhinav Tyagi

Hardik Pandya during 4th T20I - (Source: AFP)Hardik Pandya during 4th T20I - (Source: AFP)

On Wednesday, December 17, the BCCI was at the centre of criticism after the fourth T20I between India and South Africa at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow was abandoned because of smog. It was a freak incident, and the fans were upset because they couldn't see their favourite stars in action.

The internet was filled with memes, and even Member of Parliament Shashi Tharoor slammed the BCCI with a Twitter post. 

"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 his X wall.

Rajiv Shukla assures India fans of action

Meanwhile, in the latest events, Rajeev Shukla, who is also the vice-president of BCCI, spoke to Shashi Tharoor and assured him that the BCCI officials will surely take a big step after the recent backlash.

Shukla remarked that he will pitch the idea of the possibility to shift games from North Delhi to South or West during the period of December 15- January 15.

"The match had to be cancelled due to fog. The people were upset about it. We will need to review the scheduling of matches between 15 December and 15 January in north India to determine whether we need to shift them to south India or west India. Domestic matches are also being affected due to fog. It is a serious issue," Speaking to ANI, Shukla said.

Now the caravan moves to Ahmedabad for the fifth T20I, where the air quality is better. Notably, following the South Africa T20Is, the Men in Blue will next play New Zealand at home in mid-January.