India vs South Africa 4th T20I abandoned due to heavy fog in Lucknow on December 17, 2025. The match could not be played, leaving fans disappointed and sparking debate over match scheduling in winter cities.
India vs South Africa T20 Match Cancelled in Lucknow
The much-anticipated fourth T20I between India and South Africa was called off on December 17, 2025, due to heavy fog at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. Despite multiple inspections by the umpires, the weather did not improve, and officials had to abandon the match after a three-hour wait.
Fans gathered at the stadium were left disappointed as no toss or play could take place. The fog was so thick that visibility was extremely poor, making it unsafe for players to take the field. India leads the five-match series 2-1, and the final match will now be played in Ahmedabad on Friday.
Why Was the Match Cancelled?
The match was cancelled because of excessive fog, which made it impossible for players to see clearly on the field. The umpires conducted several inspections throughout the evening but found no improvement in visibility. Even from TV visuals, the pavilion behind the presenters was not visible, highlighting how bad the fog was.
Lucknow has been experiencing very cold weather and thick fog for the past few days, which is common during winter in North India. Many fans and experts have questioned the decision to schedule a night match in such conditions, calling for better planning by the BCCI.
What Happens Next in the Series?
With the fourth match abandoned, India maintains a 2-1 lead in the five-match series. The final match will be held in Ahmedabad, where the weather is expected to be more favorable. The winner of this match will decide the series champion.
What Happened at the Ekana Stadium?
On the evening of December 17, 2025, fans arrived at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow with high hopes to see India face South Africa in the fourth T20I of the series. The stadium was packed, and excitement filled the air. However, as the match time approached, thick fog started to blanket the ground. The fog was so dense that even the stadium lights could not cut through it, making it impossible for players to field or for the umpires to monitor the game safely.
Officials waited for more than three hours, conducting multiple inspections to see if the weather would improve. Unfortunately, the fog did not lift, and the match was officially called off. No toss took place, and the players did not get a chance to step onto the field. This was a first in the current series and left fans feeling let down.
How Does Fog Affect Cricket?
Fog is a major problem for cricket matches, especially at night. When visibility is low, fielders can't see the ball clearly, which can lead to accidents and injuries. Umpires also struggle to monitor the game, making it unsafe for everyone involved. In extreme cases, like this one, the match is abandoned to ensure the safety of players and spectators.
Lucknow is known for its cold, foggy winters, and this match was not the first to be affected by such weather. Experts and fans have called for better planning and scheduling to avoid matches in cities prone to winter fog.
The T20 match between India and South Africa(India vs South Africa) at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow was called off due to dense fog.
— Kashmir Digital (@KashmirDigital1) December 18, 2025
To read more, visit: https://t.co/cotr6fdksF#INDvsSA pic.twitter.com/9IYY38O2u0
When Will Happen Then
The next match in the India vs South Africa T20 series will be played in Ahmedabad on Friday, December 19, 2025. This will be the final match of the five-match series, with India currently leading 2-1 after the fourth T20I in Lucknow was abandoned due to fog. The winner of this match will be crowned the series champion. The game is expected to proceed as scheduled, with better weather conditions forecasted for Ahmedabad.
