Frustration at the Abandoned T20I Match
As fans left the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on Wednesday after the T20I match between India and South Africa was canceled, one man in his late 30s expressed his anger. While sharing a ride in a crowded auto-rickshaw, he voiced his concerns.
The Cost of Attendance
“Aaj ghar jaakar bahut daant padni hai biwi aur bachchon se. Do hazaar rupaye barbaad ho gaye (My wife and kids will scold me. I wasted two thousand rupees on this match ticket),” he lamented.
The Challenge of Expenses
Even as his companions tried to reassure him that he’d get a refund since no play occurred, he countered, “I had to buy this ticket in black from a stranger. There were no tickets available. I won’t get a penny back.” His grievances extended beyond just money; he had taken a day off work and traveled nearly 700 km from Machi Talab in Munger, Bihar, just to watch the game.
A Culture of Passion
The intense passion for cricket in India often leads fans to make significant sacrifices, including purchasing black market tickets. While it may seem irrational, such devotion for the sport has been part of India’s culture for decades, mirroring the issues tied to the illegal ticketing market.
Conditions Unfit for Play
On the evening of the match, heavy fog enveloped the stadium, making it clear that no game would unfold. To entertain fans, a DJ played Bollywood hits, but the irony of the lyrics resonated given the unfavorable air conditions. Spectators remained hopeful, with many staying even after players left the field, demonstrating the significance of international cricket returning to Lucknow after two years.
Concerns Over Scheduling
The match was abandoned due to ‘excessive fog,’ which, though unprecedented for an international cricket game in India, has affected domestic matches for almost a decade during winter. The question arises: why were so many matches scheduled in northern India when air quality is known to be poor during this season?
Understanding the Rotation Policy
The response lies in the rotation policy discussed between BCCI officials, which aims to address the complex logistics of organizing cricket across India’s diverse landscape. While BCCI does a commendable job managing a vast number of games, the needs and comfort of fans can often be overlooked. Ignoring the fanbase’s interests could lead to misunderstandings in the future, especially concerning the demand for tickets.
