Introduction
A T20 International between India and South Africa scheduled in Lucknow was abandoned after just a few overs when dense fog rolled over the city, leaving players and spectators in limbo. The abrupt halt has reignited a long‑standing controversy about holding high‑profile cricket matches in North India during the winter months, when fog and cold weather are common. Prominent cricket administrator Rajeev Shukla seized the moment to warn the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) that the current scheduling model may be jeopardising both player safety and commercial interests. This article examines the incident, Shukla’s appeal, historical precedents, and possible pathways for a more climate‑aware cricket calendar.
The fog that halted a T20I
On December 15, 2024, the Lucknow International Stadium was shrouded in a thick blanket of fog, reducing visibility to less than 30 metres. Umpires, after consulting the match referee, decided to suspend play after only two overs, citing safety concerns for both bowlers and fielders. The decision triggered a scramble among broadcasters, sponsors, and ticket‑holders, highlighting how weather‑related disruptions can ripple through the entire cricketing ecosystem.
Rajeev Shukla’s warning to the cricketing board
Following the abandonment, Rajeev Shukla, chairman of the BCCI’s senior selection committee, addressed the media with a stark message: “We must stop winter cricket in North India until a robust mitigation plan is in place.” He argued that the BCCI’s current calendar, which packs major series into the December‑January window, ignores regional climate patterns. Shukla urged the board to consult meteorologists, invest in stadium‑level fog‑dispersion technology, and consider shifting fixtures to venues with more reliable weather during the winter season.
Historical weather challenges for North Indian cricket
Lucknow is not the first venue to suffer weather‑related setbacks. A review of recent international fixtures shows a pattern of disruptions:
| Date | Venue | Match | Cause |
|---|---|---|---|
| 08 Oct 2023 | Mohali | India vs England – 2nd ODI | Heavy rain |
| 22 Dec 2023 | Kanpur | India vs New Zealand – 1st T20I | Fog |
| 15 Dec 2024 | Lucknow | India vs South Africa – 1st T20I | Fog |
| 03 Jan 2025 | Delhi | India vs Australia – 3rd Test | Cold‑related pitch damage |
The table illustrates that fog alone has forced cancellations in three different North Indian venues within a two‑year span, underscoring the need for a systematic response.
Potential scheduling reforms
Experts suggest several pragmatic steps:
- Regional climate mapping: Integrate historic weather data into the fixture‑making process to avoid high‑risk periods.
- Flexible venue contracts: Allow matches to be shifted to southern venues at short notice without heavy penalties.
- Infrastructure upgrades: Install fog‑screen systems and heated pitch covers in vulnerable stadiums.
- Stakeholder communication: Provide real‑time weather alerts to broadcasters, sponsors, and ticket‑holders to minimise financial loss.
Adopting these measures could preserve the commercial appeal of winter cricket while safeguarding player welfare and fan experience.
Conclusion
The Lucknow fog incident has become a flashpoint for a broader conversation about the sustainability of winter cricket in North India. Rajeev Shukla’s call for change is backed by a growing body of evidence that weather disruptions are no longer isolated events but a systemic risk. By aligning scheduling decisions with climate realities, investing in stadium technology, and fostering flexible contracts, the BCCI can protect the sport’s integrity and its massive commercial ecosystem. The next steps taken by the board will determine whether India’s cricket calendar adapts to the climate or continues to gamble with fog‑filled skies.
Image by: Isaak Cole
https://www.pexels.com/@isaak-cole-2147859173
