BCCI to review match scheduling after fog disrupts Lucknow T20I
What's the story
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has promised to review the match scheduling of the ongoing home season. This comes after India's 4th T20I against South Africa was abandoned due to excessive fog and smog in Lucknow. A match being called off for this reason marked a rare instance. BCCI Vice-President Rajiv Shukla has assured that future schedules will be examined closely.
Scheduling concerns
Review of match scheduling for northern India
Speaking to ANI, Shukla acknowledged that the cancellation of the Lucknow T20I due to fog had upset fans. He said, "We will need to review the scheduling of matches between December 15 and January 15 in North India." He further added that they would decide whether these matches should be moved to the southern or western parts of the country.
Match cancelation
Match officials inspected conditions before calling off game
The 4th T20I between India and South Africa was called off after six inspections by match officials. The game, which was supposed to start at 7:30pm, was eventually abandoned at 9:25pm. Several experts underlined the decision to hold the match in the winter season in Lucknow, arguing that multiple inspections were pointless as conditions wouldn't improve.
Scheduling scrutiny
Scheduling under scrutiny amid pollution concerns
Before even the toss, a thick layer of fog had covered the Ekana Stadium, making visibility extremely poor. Moreover, the poor air quality in North India currently, also impacting Lucknow, could have had a direct impact on the players' health. Notably, all-rounder Hardik Pandya was seen wearing a surgical mask during the team's warm-up session ahead of the game.
Plans
BCCI's future scheduling decisions
With the Lucknow T20I being abandoned, both teams will now head to Ahmedabad for the 5th and final T20I on Friday. India currently lead the series 2-1 after winning in Cuttack and Dharamsala. The Men in Blue will now host New Zealand for three ODIs and five T20Is at venues across western and southern India, with only one match scheduled in the northeastern city of Guwahati.