'Should've scheduled in Kerala': Shashi Tharoor after India vs South Africa T20I match called off due to excessive fog in Lucknow

'They should’ve scheduled the game in Thiruvananthapuram, where AQI is about 68 right now!' Tharoor posted on X.

The fourth T20 International between India and South Africa was called off on Wednesday due to poor visibility caused by dense layer of smog at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow.

The toss was delayed as a blanket of smog enveloped the ground, and following multiple inspections, the umpires eventually abandoned the match.

Soon after the cancellation, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor took to his official X account, commenting on the AQI in Lucknow, and suggesting the match should have happened in Kerala, as the AQI there was 68.

"Cricket fans have been waiting in vain for the #INDVSSAODI to start in Lucknow. But thanks to dense smog, pervasive in most north Indian cities, and an AQI of 411, visibility is too poor to permit a game of cricket," Tharoor wrote.

"They should’ve scheduled the game in Thiruvananthapuram, where AQI is about 68 right now!" the post read.

As per IMD, an AQI of 68 is considered to be in the 'satisfactory' category.

Tharoor's post garnered a flurry of comments, where many netizens stated how its a "reminder" to curb air pollution issue, rather than shifting venues.

"True - Thiruvananthapuram would have been a far better choice today. But if pollution is now deciding where we can play sport, shouldn't fixing air quality be the bigger priority?," a user commented.

Another user wrote, "When AQI decides match schedules, it’s a reminder that environmental neglect is no longer an abstract issue it’s affecting everyday life, health, and now even sports."

"Rather than shifting venues, perhaps this unfortunate disruption should further strengthen collective resolve to address pollution at its root, so all cities can host and enjoy such events safely," commented a third.

The Air Quality Index (AQI) remained in the hazardous range, above 400 in Lucknow on Wednesday. The match, scheduled to start at 7 pm, was eventually called off at 9:30 pm after the sixth inspection.

With no reserve day in place, both teams will now fly to Ahmedabad for the final T20I on Friday, with India leading the series 2–1.

(With PTI inputs)