Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Thursday suggested that international cricket matches scheduled during winter months should be shifted away from North India and hosted in southern states such as Kerala, following the abandonment of the India vs South Africa fourth T20I in Lucknow due to heavy fog and hazardous air quality.
The match at the Ekana Stadium was called off after repeated delays caused by poor visibility and deteriorating air conditions. Umpires conducted six inspections between 6:50 PM and 9:25 PM before eventually abandoning the game. The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Lucknow crossed 400, categorised as “hazardous,” raising serious health concerns for players and officials.
Speaking to the media outside Parliament in New Delhi, Tharoor was seen making a light-hearted yet pointed appeal to BCCI Vice-President Rajiv Shukla, urging the cricket board to reconsider winter scheduling.
“Rajiv ji, instead of holding matches in North India in January, Kerala aaiye (come to Kerala),” Tharoor said, pitching his home state as a suitable alternative due to its favourable weather conditions.
Responding to the suggestion, Shukla acknowledged the issue and said the BCCI would examine the matter. He noted that while there is a rotation policy for hosting matches, weather-related disruptions in North India during winter are becoming a recurring concern.
“We will need to review whether matches scheduled between December 15 and January 15 in North India should be shifted to South or West India,” Shukla said, adding that domestic tournaments have also been impacted by similar conditions.
The Lucknow T20I saw the toss delayed from its scheduled time of 6:30 PM, with players warming up for nearly an hour before returning to the dressing rooms. Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya was spotted wearing a mask due to the severe pollution levels.
The fifth and final T20I of the series is scheduled to be played in Ahmedabad, where conditions are expected to be clearer.
The incident has once again reignited debate over winter scheduling, air pollution, and player safety in Indian cricket, especially in northern venues during peak pollution months.
Originally published on 24×7-news.com.
