The fourth Twenty20 cricket match between India and South Africa was called off midway on Wednesday after dense smog significantly reduced visibility at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow, forcing officials to abandon play in the interest of player safety. The decision was taken following repeated assessments by match officials, who found that the thick haze made it difficult for players to clearly sight the ball.
Soon after the cancellation, questions were raised on social media about the city’s air quality, with several posts claiming that pollution levels in Lucknow had reached dangerous levels. Addressing these concerns, the Uttar Pradesh government clarified that the city’s Air Quality Index stood at 174, which falls under the “moderate” category as per India’s National Air Quality Index standards.
Officials said the confusion arose due to data being circulated by private air quality applications, many of which rely on satellite-based inputs and foreign benchmarks such as the United States Environmental Protection Agency norms. These standards, authorities stressed, are not directly comparable with India’s nationally adopted air quality framework, leading to exaggerated or misleading interpretations of pollution levels.
In an official statement issued after the match was abandoned, the government underlined that authentic air quality data is generated only through certified ground-based monitoring stations operated by government agencies. These stations use calibrated scientific instruments that provide accurate, location-specific readings, unlike private platforms that may extrapolate data using global models.
While the air quality in Lucknow was not classified as “severe,” officials acknowledged that a combination of winter weather conditions, low wind speed, and suspended particulate matter had resulted in thick smog over the stadium area. This atmospheric phenomenon, they said, was enough to impact visibility even when pollution levels remained within the moderate range.
Match officials confirmed that visibility, rather than pollution readings alone, was the primary factor behind the cancellation. Players from both teams reportedly struggled to track the ball under floodlights, prompting umpires to halt play after consultation with team management and broadcasters.
The incident has once again highlighted the growing challenge of winter smog across northern India and the need for greater public awareness about how air quality data is measured and interpreted. Authorities urged citizens to rely on official sources for accurate information and cautioned against drawing conclusions from unverified figures circulating online.
With several high-profile sporting events scheduled during the winter months, experts say clearer communication and improved environmental monitoring around major venues will be crucial to avoid similar disruptions in the future.