Pollution is really something that needs to be seriously discussed in India; however, it is not a new issue. Last night, the fourth T20I between India and South Africa being abandoned without a ball being bowled has just triggered how "dense smog" has affected cricket and normal life over the decade. Recently, BCCI had to swap the West Indies series with the South Africa Test series between Delhi and Kolkata, fearing this issue. Notably, Delhi's Arun Jaitely Stadium was supposed to host the first test between South Africa and India from October 10 to 14. Eden Gardens was supposed to host the West Indies for the second Test from October 10 to 14, 2025. As Delhi's air quality stays comparatively better in October than November, BCCI simply interchanged the schedule. But scheduling matches in Lucknow, simply recalled the memories of 2017 India-Sri Lanka Test match. On the 17th last night, at around 7 pm, the Air Quality Index around Lucknow's Ekana Stadium was around 400-411, which is considered severe. Players like Hardik Pandya were seen walking around with disposable masks. Something that looked like a Delhi issue has now been exposed as an issue in Uttar Pradesh, and probably everywhere, especially in the northern belt. Here are a few matches that were affected by pollution, or the so-called thick smog. 1 | Ranji Trophy: Bengal vs. Gujarat & Hyderabad vs. Tripura (November 2016): This happened to the first first-calls match that was cancelled due to bad air quality, or rather, pollution. The match waited for two day before the game's official start. And later, the umpires decided to call it off. The situation was so uncomfortable that Hyderabad captain Subramaniam Badrinath and Bengal captain complained of feeling "smoke dusty" in their mouths. Even during light warm-ups, they ran out of breath quickly. Players felt a burning sensation in their eyes and were advised to stay in the dressing room as much as possible. The fog was so dense that visibility was restricted to 25 yards. Players walked with anti-pollution masks while leaving their hotels. BCCI had to later reschedule the match after the league stage, recognizing the "extraordinary circumstances." 2 | India vs. Sri Lanka, 3rd Test (December 2017) This is one of the most publicized incidents of pollution affecting a cricket match. Sri Lankan players were seen walking out wearing anti-pollution masks after lunch on Day 2 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium (then Feroz Shah Kotla). Play halted thrice, for a total of 26 minutes, as players complained about breathlessness. The situation was so tense that a Sri Lankan trainer had to come out as a substitute fielder as the team ran out of healthy fielders. Kuldeep Yadav, who came out as a substitute fielder, was seen wearing anti-pollution masks. Not only that, but the Sri Lankan pacer Suranga Lakmal and Indian pacer Mohammed Shami vomited on the field on separate days. Indian captain Virat Kohli was forced to declare the match early (536/7). As per reports, Sri Lankan players were even provided with oxygen cylinders in their dressing rooms. 3 | Ranji Trophy (2018–19 Season): During the 2018-19 season, Delhi hosted at least three matches, with players seen coming out wearing protective gear. However, the situation worsened during the Mumbai vs. Railways match. It was the Group A match, hosted at the Karnail Singh Stadium of the national capital. Mumbai player Siddesh Lad was seen batting as well as fielding while wearing anti-pollution masks. Mumbai pacer Tushar Deshpande fell ill, experiencing vomiting, headaches, and fever after arriving in Delhi. Coach Vinayak Samant claimed that it was an effect of Delhi pollution. Read also: Why the India vs South Africa 4th T20I Toss Was Delayed in Lucknow 4 | World Cup Warm-ups & Practice (October–November 2023) Even though it was not a match, practice sessions getting cancelled are warnings in themselves. After the 2023 World Cup, a Reuters report claimed that almost fifty percent of the 47 matches were played in unhealthy air conditions, and not just in Delhi. In Bengaluru, England all-rounder Ben Stokes was seen using an inhaler. To be noted, he does have asthma, but the situation triggers in certain circumstances, pollution being one of them. Joe Root, known for his humble nature, even commented on the Mumbai weather. After being defeated heavily by South Africa in Wankhade, Root came to Bengaluru and said in a press conference, "I’ve not played in anything like that before. I’ve obviously played in hotter conditions, and probably more humid conditions. But it just felt like you couldn’t get your breath. It was like you were eating the air. It was unique." Root even gave reference to the match's centurion, Henrich Klassen from South Africa, who ran out of breath multiple times while batting. Delhi too had been complained against again, as Bangladesh team director Khaled Mahmuf confirmed that the team had to cancel a training session due to poor AQI. Even Sri Lanka had to follow the same. 5 | Ranji Trophy: Mumbai vs. Services (November 2024 – Palam) The Mumbai vs. Services match in the 2024 Ranji trophy series, was nothing different. Despite fighting against each other, they fought for their lives against nature. However, the match was played, and Mumbai won by 9 wickets at the Air Force Ground at NCR. The match was held between November 13 and 16. Day 1 had the word AQI in the country, with sources giving different readings varying mostly from 418 to 500. Respiration hampered even during light activity. Visibility was restricted on day 1, and the play had to resume after 11 am on day 1 due to dense fog and smog.