IND vs SA: South Africa Match at Ekana Abandoned, Fan Who Sold Wheat Bags in Tears

Lucknow: The fourth T20 between India and South Africa at Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow, was abandoned without a single ball bowled due to hazardous fog and extreme air pollution, leaving thousands of fans disappointed. Among them was a devoted supporter who had sold three sacks of wheat just to afford a ticket, only to see his dreams vanish in the fog.

Fans’ Disappointment: Dreams Lost in Haze
When the umpires officially called off the match at 9:25 PM, the stadium’s thousands of spectators watched helplessly as their long-awaited cricketing excitement was buried under a blanket of smog. For many, this was more than a canceled game—it was the crushing of dreams and efforts invested to witness their favorite teams live.

Selling Wheat to Watch Cricket
Outside the stadium, the mood was somber. One fan shared with ANI that he had sold three wheat sacks to raise money for his ticket and traveled to Lucknow to watch the match. For him, a refund was not enough; he had hoped to see the action unfold live. Many others had traveled long distances from remote districts, only to face an emotional setback as the match was called off. While BCCI policies ensure ticket refunds, no compensation can replace the memories and anticipation invested by these fans.

Players Also Affected by Toxic Air
The players’ safety was also a major concern. By 7:30 PM, when the match was scheduled to start, the team had completed warm-ups and returned to the dressing room. Star all-rounder Hardik Pandya was seen wearing a surgical mask in the dugout, highlighting the severity of Lucknow’s air quality, which recorded an AQI above 400 with near-zero visibility. BCCI Vice-President Rajiv Shukla inspected the stadium but even the board could do little against the fury of nature.

Final Showdown in Ahmedabad
With no reserve day scheduled, both teams are now heading to Ahmedabad, where the series-deciding fifth T20 will be held on 19 December at Narendra Modi Stadium. India currently leads 2-1, and the final match will determine whether Team India lifts the trophy or South Africa levels the series. For the fans returning empty-handed from Lucknow, the only solace is following the thrilling finale on television.