BCCI responds to fan anger after fog forces abandonment of IND vs SA 4th T20I

The BCCI has addressed refund concerns after the 4th T20I between India and South Africa was abandoned due to heavy fog in Lucknow, leaving fans frustrated.

Umpires inspecting the stadium (Image Credit: BCCI)

The fourth T20I between India and South Africa in Lucknow ended in disappointment after the match was called off without a ball being bowled due to severe fog and poor visibility. Despite repeated inspections by match officials, conditions failed to improve as the evening progressed, making it unsafe to proceed. The abandonment came as a blow to fans who had filled the Ekana Stadium in anticipation of a crucial contest in the five-match series.

Soon after the call-off, frustration spilled over on social media, with spectators demanding ticket refunds and questioning the decision to schedule an international match in northern India during peak winter.

Many fans highlighted the financial and emotional cost of attending a game that never started, intensifying pressure on cricket authorities to clarify the refund process. With the abandonment of the fourth game, the last match stands as most important in the series. While India will have a chance to win the series, South Africa will get the opportunity to level the series.

What did BCCI Secretary explain?

Amid growing criticism, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) issued a response to address the concerns. BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia stated that while the board empathises with disappointed fans, the responsibility for ticketing and refunds does not rest with the BCCI. Instead, it lies with the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA), the host body for the match. He explained that refunds are governed by existing policies, which are implemented by the state association managing the event.

"Everything in ticketing is done by the state association, as the BCCI just gives them the hosting rights and all these things are taken care of and are under the domain of the state association," Saikia told IANS.

"No, it is a solitary weather situation. Normally we have this kind of weather in the month of January. This time it is quite early, number one, and number two, we had a match in Dharamsala also the other day. Dharamsala is a much colder place. So you cannot predict fog, and rain. Nowadays cricket is a throughout the year annual event for 12, and we have to have the matches," he added.

When and where to watch India vs South Africa 5th T20I match?

Cricket fans in India can watch the India vs South Africa 5th T20I match on December 19 from 7 PM onwards online on JioHotstar, via OTTplay Premium.

Also read: When and where to watch IPL 2026 auction live: Date, time, and streaming details

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