When International Cricket Matches Were Abandoned for Unusual Reasons: IND vs SA Lucknow T20 Not the Only Case

The fourth T20 between India and South Africa in Lucknow was abandoned due to heavy fog, making it the latest in a series of unusual match cancellations in international cricket history. The toss could not take place, and after multiple inspections, the umpires called off the game. Fans expressed their frustration on social media, but such incidents have occurred before. Here’s a look at five notable examples:

1. Sri Lanka vs Australia/West Indies (1996 World Cup)
Two weeks before the World Cup began, a suicide truck bombing at Colombo’s Central Bank killed 91 people and injured nearly 1,400. Amid the civil war in Sri Lanka, Australia and West Indies refused to play citing safety concerns. The ICC awarded Sri Lanka walkovers for both matches.

2. Pakistan vs New Zealand (2021)
On 17 September 2021 in Rawalpindi, a scheduled ODI was called off just minutes before the start. Players and spectators were stunned when New Zealand refused to play due to a security threat communicated by their government. The team was evacuated to Dubai via a special chartered flight under tight security.

3. India vs Sri Lanka (2009, Delhi)
On 27 December 2009 at Feroz Shah Kotla, the pitch proved dangerously inconsistent, with balls bouncing unpredictably at ankle to chest level. Sri Lanka’s captain Kumar Sangakkara warned that batting could be unsafe, and Indian captain MS Dhoni agreed. After 23.3 overs with Sri Lanka at 83/5, the umpires called off the match.

4. India vs Pakistan (1991, Mumbai Test)
The Mumbai Test at Wankhede Stadium was abandoned due to a combination of political unrest and pitch sabotage. Two days before the match, protesters damaged the pitch, and Pakistan cited security concerns to cancel their tour.

5. India vs South Africa (2025, Lucknow T20)
The fourth T20 in Lucknow was abandoned without a toss due to dense fog. Despite several inspections by umpires, play could not begin, making it the latest unusual cancellation in international cricket.

These incidents highlight how cricket, despite meticulous planning, is sometimes at the mercy of unforeseen events — from natural conditions to political unrest and security threats.