Tharoor Urges BCCI: Avoid Scheduling Matches in the North During Fog Season to Respect Cricket Fans

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor suggested on Thursday that cricket matches scheduled between mid-December and mid-January should take place in South India rather than the north, where heavy fog prevails during this time, ensuring that cricket enthusiasts aren’t left disappointed.

Earlier today, Tharoor shared a humorous moment with BCCI Vice President and fellow Congress MP Rajeev Shukla in the Parliament House complex. Tharoor, interacting with journalists, beckoned to Shukla as he walked by, saying, “Come and play in south India at this time.”

Tharoor’s comments followed the cancellation of the fourth T20 match between India and South Africa in Lucknow due to poor visibility. A thick layer of smog enveloped the Ekana Stadium, prompting serious concerns regarding the BCCI’s decision to schedule matches in northern India during peak winter.
“My worry is that from mid-December to mid-January, northern India is plagued by fog, and we all know that when the fog descends like this at this time of year, it becomes nearly impossible for players to even see the ball,” Tharoor, a dedicated cricket enthusiast, told reporters in the Parliament House complex.
“Yesterday, the entire nation felt let down that we couldn’t witness the match between South Africa and India. Therefore, my simple request is to schedule matches in South India during this period. My Thiruvananthapuram boasts a fantastic stadium, and we are ready to welcome everyone. Come and play,” Tharoor stated.

He also mentioned that the women’s cricket team is set to play there toward the end of December.

“We must encourage the BCCI to consider weather conditions when arranging schedules,” he noted.

“Kerala is prepared, and I’m sure other southern locations won’t experience such fog and low visibility. So, please refrain from scheduling cricket matches in northern India between mid-December and mid-January… don’t disappoint cricket fans,” Tharoor urged.

The Congress MP from Thiruvananthapuram shared a post on X regarding this issue on Wednesday night.

“Cricket fans have been left waiting in vain for the #INDVSSAODI to commence in Lucknow. However, with dense smog prevailing in many north Indian cities and an AQI of 411, visibility is too poor to allow for a cricket match. They should’ve scheduled the game in Thiruvananthapuram, where the AQI is around 68 right now!”