Cricket news

India vs South Africa T20I abandoned due to fog raises questions over BCCI scheduling

Hazardous air quality and dense fog forced the India vs South Africa fourth T20I in Lucknow to be abandoned without a ball bowled, prompting debate over winter scheduling.

Published

4 months ago

December 18, 2025

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Indian cricket saw an unusual situation on Wednesday as the fourth T20I between India and South Africa in Lucknow was abandoned without a single delivery being bowled. The decision came after excessive fog and smog at the Ekana Stadium made playing conditions unsafe, once again bringing the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s scheduling choices under scrutiny.

The match officials inspected the ground multiple times, but visibility did not improve as the evening progressed. With air quality remaining in the hazardous range and a thick blanket of smog covering the stadium, the umpires eventually called off the contest.

Hazardous conditions halt play in Lucknow

The game, scheduled to begin at 7 pm, could not get underway due to poor visibility caused by dense smog. The Air Quality Index in Lucknow stayed above 400 through the day, raising concerns over player safety. Even after at least six inspections, umpires found conditions unsuitable for play.

Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya was seen wearing a surgical mask during the team’s warm-up, underlining the severity of pollution at the venue. Players eventually abandoned their practice session by around 7:30 pm, while spectators also began leaving the stadium as the delay stretched on. The match was officially abandoned at about 9:30 pm.

Winter scheduling under the scanner

The abandonment has renewed criticism of hosting international matches in northern Indian cities during peak winter months. The India–South Africa series was scheduled across venues such as New Chandigarh, Dharamsala, Lucknow, Ranchi and Raipur in November and December, a period often marked by high pollution levels and fog in several of these regions.

This was not the first instance of challenging conditions during the series. The third T20I in Dharamsala was played in sub-10-degree temperatures, while air quality during earlier matches in New Chandigarh and Dharamsala ranged from poor to severe.

India spinner Varun Chakravarthy, after playing in Dharamsala, admitted that the cold conditions were difficult to cope with, especially for someone not accustomed to such weather.

No reserve day, series moves on

With no reserve day kept for the Lucknow T20I, both teams will now travel to Ahmedabad for the final match of the series on Friday. India currently lead the five-match T20I series 2-1.

During one of the inspections in Lucknow, BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla was seen interacting with match officials. His visible disappointment reflected the broader concern around the situation, though no immediate solution was available.

Could the disruption have been avoided?

The situation has sparked debate on whether the board could have planned better by considering historical weather and pollution data. An alternative could have been to allocate northern venues to a different window or swap venues with another international series scheduled later in the season.

Another option discussed is the possibility of afternoon starts during winter to reduce the impact of fog and smog, ensuring at least some play for fans who purchase tickets.

As extreme weather and pollution increasingly affect sporting events, the abandoned T20I in Lucknow serves as a reminder that scheduling decisions need to balance rotational policies with player welfare and local environmental conditions.

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Who is Sahil Parakh? Teenager makes IPL debut for Delhi Capitals vs RCB

Sahil Parakh, an 18-year-old batter from Maharashtra, made his IPL debut for Delhi Capitals against RCB in IPL 2026.

Published

3 days ago

April 27, 2026

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Sahil Parakh, an emerging batter from Maharashtra, made his Indian Premier League debut for Delhi Capitals during their 2026 match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi.

The 18-year-old was handed his maiden cap as the franchise made changes to its playing XI, looking to test fresh talent in a crucial stage of the tournament.

Opens innings alongside KL Rahul

Parakh was included as an opening batter and partnered experienced wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul at the top. The move reflected Delhi Capitals’ intent to experiment with their batting combination and give exposure to young players in high-pressure games.

Short stay at the crease

The debut outing did not last long for the youngster, as he was dismissed early in the innings. Despite the brief appearance, the opportunity marked an important milestone in his career.

Promising name from domestic circuit

Parakh is a left-handed batter who has impressed in age-group and domestic cricket, earning attention for his performances at the state level. His selection in the Delhi Capitals squad for IPL 2026 underlines the franchise’s focus on nurturing young talent for the future.

Cricket news

Who is Praful Hinge? Young pacer who made instant impact with match-turning IPL debut spell

Praful Hinge grabbed attention with a three-wicket over on his IPL debut for Sunrisers Hyderabad.

Published

2 weeks ago

April 14, 2026

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Praful Hinge bowling for Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL

Praful Hinge is an emerging Indian fast bowler who grabbed attention after a remarkable debut in the Indian Premier League. Representing Sunrisers Hyderabad, the young pacer made headlines by taking three wickets in a single over, a rare and impactful feat in T20 cricket.

His performance came against Rajasthan Royals, where he turned the game with a decisive spell, announcing his arrival on the big stage.

Domestic cricket background

Hinge hails from Nagpur and has been associated with the Vidarbha cricket team in domestic cricket. Like many cricketers rising through India’s competitive system, his progress at the domestic level paved the way for his IPL opportunity.

While detailed statistics from his domestic career remain limited in public reports, his selection in the IPL reflects recognition of his potential and performances.

Bowling style and strengths

Praful Hinge is a right-arm fast bowler known for:

Maintaining a disciplined line and length
Ability to generate movement off the pitch
Effectiveness in short, impactful spells

His debut spell highlighted composure under pressure, especially in a high-intensity league like the IPL.

Breakthrough IPL moment

Making an immediate impact in the IPL is never easy, but Hinge’s three-wicket over on debut stands out as a defining moment. Performances like these often play a key role in shaping a young cricketer’s early career and gaining attention from teams and selectors.

A promising start

Praful Hinge’s debut has positioned him as a young fast bowler to watch. While it is still early in his career, such impactful performances suggest potential for further opportunities in domestic and franchise cricket.

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At 15, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi eyes India debut, could surpass Sachin Tendulkar’s record

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi may soon make his India debut after a standout IPL 2026 season with Rajasthan Royals.

Published

2 weeks ago

April 14, 2026

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Rising cricket prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is reportedly on the verge of earning his first senior India call-up following an impressive run in IPL 2026. The 15-year-old batter has been shortlisted for the upcoming India tour of Ireland, according to multiple reports.

The young Rajasthan Royals player has quickly emerged as one of the most talked-about talents this season, delivering impactful performances that have caught the attention of selectors.

Strong performances boost selection chances

Sooryavanshi’s explosive batting in IPL 2026 has played a key role in pushing his case for national selection. Representing Rajasthan Royals, the teenager has consistently taken on top bowlers with confidence, showcasing both aggressive stroke play and maturity beyond his age.

Reports suggest he is among several young players being monitored for India’s Ireland tour, with selectors looking to test emerging talent in a relatively shorter series.

Could become youngest India debutant

If selected and given an opportunity, Sooryavanshi could script history by becoming one of the youngest players to represent India at the international level. At just 15, he would surpass long-standing age records set by former greats like Sachin Tendulkar, who debuted at 16.

The potential milestone has added further excitement around the youngster, whose rapid rise through domestic and franchise cricket has been closely followed by fans and experts alike.

Future tours also on radar

Apart from the Ireland series, reports indicate that Sooryavanshi could also be considered for other upcoming assignments later in 2026, including a possible tour of Zimbabwe. His consistent performances and fearless approach have made him a strong contender for continued inclusion in India’s plans.