Fans who came to watch the India vs South Africa fourth T20 International in Lucknow finally got clear news. The Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association confirmed on Thursday that all ticket money will be fully refunded. The match was called off because thick fog made it unsafe to play at the Ekana Stadium.
The game was set to start at 7:00 pm on Wednesday. However, heavy smog covered the ground. Match officials checked conditions six times. At 9:30 pm, the umpires had no choice but to abandon the match due to poor visibility. Thousands of fans waited in the stadium before the final call was made.
UPCA secretary Prem Manohar Gupta shared the update in an official statement and explained how fans can get their money back.
‘I sold wheat to arrange the money for today’s match, please return my money ’ :
Cricket fan crying after India vs SA match got abandoned due to smog in Lucknow 💔
State of the world’s 4th largest economy.
— Roshan Rai (@RoshanKrRaii) December 17, 2025
Suryakumar Yadav and Aiden Markram match abandoned as fog takes over Lucknow stadium
India, led by Suryakumar Yadav, and South Africa, captained by Aiden Markram, were ready for an important game in the series. Sadly, weather had other plans. A thick layer of fog stayed over the Ekana International Cricket Stadium throughout the evening.
Because visibility never improved, the umpires ruled that play was not possible. Player safety was the main concern. After hours of waiting, officials officially abandoned the match.
UPCA confirmed that online ticket buyers will receive refunds automatically. The money will be sent back through the same payment method used during booking. Fans will also get refund updates on their registered email IDs, so checking emails regularly is advised.
This decision brought relief to fans who had waited patiently despite the long delay.
Ticket refund process explained clearly for online and offline buyers
For fans who bought tickets offline, UPCA shared a clear refund plan. These ticket holders must visit the box office at Gate No. 2 of the Ekana Stadium. Refunds will be given on December 20, 21, and 22, between 11:00 am and 6:00 pm.
Offline ticket holders must come in person. They need to carry:
- Original physical match tickets
- A copy of a valid government ID
At the counter, fans will fill out a refund form. They must also submit their bank details correctly. The original tickets and form will be checked carefully. Once verification is complete, the refund amount will be sent directly to the bank account provided.
UPCA made it clear that refunds will only be processed after proper verification.
Meanwhile, the series moves on. India and South Africa will face each other in the fifth and final T20 match on Friday in Ahmedabad, where fans hope weather stays clear and cricket finally takes center stage.
