Lucknow IND vs SA match was cancelled, Delhi-NCR is enveloped in dense fog, visibility reduced to zero

Dense fog and toxic smog continue to wreak havoc in North India. Yesterday, the fourth T20 match between India and South Africa in Lucknow was canceled due to smog. Now, a thick blanket of dense fog covers Delhi-NCR this morning, with visibility reduced to zero in many places. A thick layer of toxic smog was also visible around Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, where the AQI was recorded at 349, falling into the 'Very Poor' category.

Also Read: 'Close toll booths in Delhi...', Supreme Court suggests to MCD-NHAI on rising pollution

Lucknow IND vs SA match was cancelled

The harsh winter weather, along with dense fog and smog, continues in North India. Yesterday, the fourth T20 match between India and South Africa at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow was canceled due to dense smog. A thick blanket of dense fog and mist also covered Delhi-NCR early this morning, reducing visibility to near zero. Vehicles are crawling on the roads due to the dense fog and mist.

Harsh winter weather, along with dense fog and smog

Several areas of Delhi-NCR have been covered in dense fog since late Wednesday night, resulting in zero visibility. Vehicles are moving slowly on the highways due to the dense fog, increasing the risk of accidents. Speed ​​limits have been reduced on routes like the Yamuna Expressway and NH-48. Air India and IndiGo have issued advisories to check flight status. More than 100 flights were affected in the past few days. The IMD has also issued a dense fog warning for Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. According to the IMD, light to dense fog will prevail in the mornings from December 18 to 20. Low visibility procedures are in effect at the airport, leading to flight delays and cancellations. Trains are also running late. The AQI remains between 'Very Poor' and 'Severe', causing breathing difficulties for people.

#WATCH | Delhi: Visuals from near Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium as a layer of toxic smog continues to blanket the national capital.

AQI here is 349 categorised as 'very poor' as per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

CAQM (Commission for Air Quality Management) has invoked… pic.twitter.com/jud08b6UUp

— ANI (@ANI) December 18, 2025

GRAP IV Implemented in Delhi-NCR

A thick layer of toxic smog was visible around Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, where the AQI was recorded at 349, falling into the 'Very Poor' category. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the AQI in several areas of Delhi remains between 'Very Poor' and 'Severe'. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has implemented all measures under GRAP Stage-IV in Delhi-NCR, which include a ban on construction, vehicle restrictions, and other stringent steps.

T20 Match Cancelled in Lucknow

Meanwhile, the match at Lucknow's Ekana Stadium on Wednesday had to be cancelled without even a toss due to dense smog. The AQI there had crossed 400.  It is reported that the decision was taken keeping in mind the low visibility and the safety of the players. Also Read:  Delhi-NCR shrouded in dense fog, visibility zero due to fog and smog; AQI reaches 493 at Akshardham

Summary

Following the cancellation of the match, questions have been raised about the BCCI's Tours and Fixtures Committee scheduling international matches in North and East India during peak winter. People are also criticizing the decision to hold a day-night match in Lucknow, as fog and smog are common during the winter months.