The Fans were Holding up their Tickets and Asking for a Refund from the Authorities outside the Stadium

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The Lucknow T20I was abandoned due to heavy fog. There was an outpouring of frustration as fans, who travelled miles to watch an entertaining match, left angry and heartbroken. Fans launched sharp criticism at the BCCI over improper scheduling.

Lucknow T20 Abandoned

The fourth T20I between India and South Africa was abandoned because of heavy fog at Ekana Stadium, Lucknow. Visibility at the stadium failed to improve despite repeated inspections, and after more than two hours of delay, umpires called off the match at 9:25 pm IST.

The match was expected to start at 7:00 p.m., with the toss scheduled for 6:30 p.m. However, the conditions turned worse as thick fog enveloped the Ekana stadium. The umpires conducted their first set of inspections at 6:30 and scheduled another one half an hour later.

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There were no signs of improvement as the ground was inspected once again at 7:30 pm and 8 pm. By this time, dew had started to take its effect on the field, with the boundary rover's wheels showing signs of dampness, and the ground staff had to bring in a thick cover to protect the pitch that was rolled.

BCCI Fan Backlash

The fans in Lucknow were left fuming and demanded a refund from the BCCI. The decision triggered visible frustration among spectators who had waited patiently in the cold stands, hoping conditions would clear.

One fan said he had sold agricultural produce to afford the experience. “(Gehu bech ke liya match dekhke ke liye) I sold three sacks of wheat and came here to watch the match. I want my money back,” he said.

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Others questioned the logic of scheduling night matches in northern India during December, when fog regularly disrupts transport and sporting events.

“It would have been better if the match had been scheduled earlier in the day. Tickets and reimbursement are irrelevant. We wanted to see the match, see our Indian Cricket Team,” another supporter said.

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“We are all fans of the Indian cricket team. I came from Agra to watch the match, and I'm extremely disappointed now. I left home early morning,” said another, who had journeyed nearly 350 kilometres to attend the fixture.

“BCCI should not keep matches in Lucknow at this time; they should have better scheduling,” one supporter said, while another added, “The venue should have been changed; we know how bad the fog is around this time here.”

Will BCCI Refund Money?

While the BCCI’s policy allows for refunds when a match is abandoned without play, many supporters said compensation could not replace the lost opportunity to watch India in action, particularly for those who had invested time, money, and effort to be at the ground.

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Final Thoughts

India will face South Africa in Ahmedabad for the fifth and final T20I on December 19. However, the night in Lucknow will be remembered for cold weather, empty scoreboards, and unanswered expectations. Calls for better planning grew louder as fans exited the venue.