Lucknow News

5th T20I: Gill Unavailable For Selection After Sustaining Impact Injury To Right Foot

Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari: India vice-captain Shubman Gill was ruled out of the fifth and final T20I against South Africa at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Friday after sustaining an impact injury to his right foot during a net session in Lucknow on December 16. Gill was replaced in the playing eleven by wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson, who will slot in as the opener alongside left-hander Abhishek Sharma. The move could have happened in the fourth T20I at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, but it was abandoned due to excessive fog. Shubman Gill sustained an impact injury to his right foot while batting in the nets on 16th December in Lucknow. After consulting a specialist and getting treatment with the BCCI medical team, he is improving but will be unavailable for selection for the final T20I in Ahmedabad, said the BCCI in its statement on Friday. The development comes at a time when Gills place in Indias T20I set-up is under scrutiny, with competition intensifying due to the presence of Samson, and Yashasvi Jaiswal. Gill, 25, has been Indias preferred opener alongside Abhishek since his elevation to vice-captaincy in T20I, a role he assumed after being appointed the Test captain and would later become the ODI skipper. Shubman Gill sustained an impact injury to his right foot while batting in the nets on 16th December in Lucknow. After consulting a specialist and getting treatment with the BCCI medical team, he is improving but will be unavailable for selection for the final T20I in Ahmedabad, said the BCCI in its statement on Friday. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Gill had come into the T20I series after recovering from a neck injury sustained in the first Test against the Proteas at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata and went through rehab at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence (COE) in Bengaluru. Article Source: IANS

UP DGP seeks explanation from Bahraich SP over offering guard of honour to religious preacher

LUCKNOW: UP DGP Rajeev Krishna has sought an explanation from a district superintendent after a video showing police recruits giving a ceremonial guard of honour to a religious preacher in Bahraich sparked a major political controversy and allegations of a constitutional breach. Taking to X, the UP police posted: It has been clarified that the police parade ground must be used strictly in accordance with prescribed norms, solely for police training, discipline, and official ceremonies. In view of the violation of these prescribed norms, an explanation has been sought from the Superintendent of Police concerned. Earlier in the day, the Bahraich police had issued a justification for the event. In its statement, the district police said that Acharya Pundreek Goswami was invited for counselling, holding meditation and Yoga workshops for recruits since 28 of them had resigned, citing depression caused by rigorous mental and physical stress while going through the police training. The Bahraich police authorities claimed that Goswamis discourse was helpful as it relieved the recruits from stress, and helped them building their confidence and devotion towards duty. , - (Guard of Honour) , pic.twitter.com/I3IiHeD73t Chandra Shekhar Aazad (@BhimArmyChief) December 18, 2025 The purported video showed the preacher being welcomed by Bahraich Superintendent of Police RN Singh and other policemen with a red carpet laid before him. The video also showed Goswami allegedly accepting a salute from the recruits with the SP standing beside him. SP chief Akhilesh Yadav in a post on X said the government was busy in a game of salute amid rampant crime and flourishing mafia rule. He wondered if someone would take cognizance of this matter. Lok Sabha MP Chandrashekhar Azad called that incident an attack on the Constitution, as salute and parade are symbols of sovereignty.

5th T20I: Samson Replaces Injured Gill; Bumrah, Washington Come In As SA Elect To Bowl

Narendra Modi Stadium: Sanju Samson has replaced an injured Shubman Gill, while Jasprit Bumrah and Washington Sundar returned to Indias playing eleven, as South Africa won the toss and elected to bowl first in the fifth and final T20I at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Friday. India are currently leading the five-match series 2-1 after the fourth T20I in Lucknow was abandoned due to excessive fog. Meanwhile, Sundar comes in for Kuldeep Yadav, Bumrah is back at his home venue in place of Harshit Rana. A statement from the BCCI said Gill sustained an impact injury to his right foot while batting in the nets on December 16 in Lucknow. Though Gill is improving, he was unavailable for selection for the fifth T20I. The wicket looks good, there won't be dew and we want to put runs on the board. It (the stadium) almost feels full. Let's see what we want from this game, yes the series is on the line, but it is about expressing yourself and enjoying the game, said India skipper Suryakumar Yadav. South Africa captain Aiden Markram said left-arm spinner George Linde comes in for fast bowler Anrich Nortje. The wicket looks quite dew, probably some dew later on and the ball comes on better. There's everything to play for, focus is on the World Cup and we have quite a few games here. Quite a few good signs with the ball in hand, looking to finish the tour on a positive note, he said. The playing surface for Fridays contest comes with short square boundaries 63m and 65m respectively, while the straight down the ground boundary is at 71m. The black soil pitch appears dry but firm despite visible cracks, suggesting some assistance for spin may be there. Playing XIs The playing surface for Fridays contest comes with short square boundaries 63m and 65m respectively, while the straight down the ground boundary is at 71m. The black soil pitch appears dry but firm despite visible cracks, suggesting some assistance for spin may be there. Also Read: Live Cricket Score South Africa: Quinton de Kock (wk), Reeza Hendricks, Aiden Markram (captain), Dewald Brevis, David Miller, Donovan Ferreira, George Linde, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Lungi Ngidi, and Ottniel Baartman Article Source: IANS

CM Yogi alleges SP leaders have links to cough syrup racket culprits

LUCKNOW: The winter session of the Uttar Pradesh Legislature began on Friday amid sharp political exchanges over the ongoing codeine cough syrup racket, with tensions between the state government and opposition marking the proceedings. Samajwadi Party (SP) MLAs attended the four-day session wearing symbols highlighting the issue, while Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath accused the opposition of having links to the culprits involved in the racket. At around 11:30 am, the CM spoke to the media outside the Assembly, saying preliminary investigations revealed that those arrested in the case had connections with the SP. He added, in a poetic remark, that instead of focusing on facts, the SP chief was trying to clean his mirror while the dust was there on his face. Yogi further noted that if the issue was raised in the Legislative Council, the government would respond there as well. The CM said probe agencies, including the FSDA, UP Police, and STF, had tracked illegal smuggling, resulting in arrests. He explained that codeine phosphate, used in medicines, falls under the NDPS, and its quota and allotment are predefined by the Central Narcotics Bureau for medicinal purposes. The state governments action followed reports of misuse in cough syrup and complaints of smuggling. SP chief Akhilesh Yadav later retaliated, calling the allegations an old tactic and urging the government to come up with new approaches instead of repeating past strategies. During the session, SP MLA Brijesh Yadav brought a box of codeine syrup tied to his bicycle, highlighting the alleged dangers of the syrup, its political backing, and how accused individuals could escape abroad. Another SP MLA, Mukesh Verma, wore a poster claiming influential people were involved in the syrup scandal and demanded action against the trade. In response, Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak presented a photograph showing Akhilesh Yadav with STF constable Alok Singh, accused in the codeine syrup case, alleging that the SPs reactions reflected the saying that a guilty person betrays himself. On the first day, the Assembly also passed a condolence motion on the demise of Ghosi MLA Sudhakar Singh before adjourning until Monday morning. It was announced that Finance Minister Suresh Khanna will present the second supplementary budget for 202526 on Monday, and the House will hold a four-hour discussion on Vande Mataram. Issues such as the SIR project and the codeine syrup racket are expected to be raised by Leader of Opposition Mata Prasad Pandey, with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath scheduled to present his views on December 23 and 24.

'Raktanchal' Season 3 filming begins in Lucknow, Varanasi

The third season of MX Player's crime-drama Raktanchal has begun filming in and around Varanasi and Lucknow.

Initial probe suggests cough syrup scam has Samajwadi Party links: Adityanath

Amity University Lucknow Campus Confers Degrees on 1,730 Graduates at 21st Convocation

Josh Inglis' availability comes under scanner after LSG bags Aussie for Rs 8.6 crore

Australian batter Josh Inglis secured a large bid from Lucknow Super Giants for IPL 2026. This comes despite prior communication from the BCCI stating his limited availability due to marriage. The BCCI and IPL Governing Council are monitoring the situation. Inglis was released by Punjab Kings before the auction. The episode raises questions about potential exploitation of the situation.

Adani to Invest Rs 1 Lakh Cr in Airports; Eyes Aggressive Bids in Next Privatisation Round

In the previous round of privatisation in 2019, Adani Group won six airports - Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Guwahati, Thiruvananthapuram, Jaipur and Mangaluru - and acquired Mumbai Airport from the GVK Group in 2021

Despite injury, Shubman Gill travels with team to Ahmedabad

Shubman Gill's participation in the series decider against South Africa is uncertain. The Indian vice-captain sustained the blow during a net session prior to the fourth match and was unlikely to feature in Wednesdays game in Lucknow, which was eventually washed out because of adverse weather.

Every penny of investors is safein UP, says CM

BJP hiding behind Vande Mataram, well raise codeine syrup racket issue in Assembly: Akhilesh

BCCI to reassess North India fixtures amid fog concerns: Shukla

New Delhi, Dec 18: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to review the scheduling of matches in North India between December 15 and January 15 following the abandonment of the fourth T20I between India and South Africa due to dense fog in Lucknow. BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla confirmed that []

CM calls for a comprehensive strategy to protect children from kidney ailments

Govt approves Rs 10cr to strengthen bomb detection capabilities

CM: Culture soul of nation, Bhatkhande its key pioneer

Bahraich cops guard of honour to spiritual guru triggers row

UPERC meet sees heated talk on smart prepaid meters rate

PAC critical pillar of internal security: DGP at foundation day event

Amethi Med College to add 350 more beds

Leopard mauls 7-year-old girl in Bahraich

Married woman goes to lovers home, he kills her with kin help

Making of the Mahatma depicted through pratik

Speed limits for buses, trucks reduced on e-ways due to fog

Atal Healthfair to be heldon Dec 20-21

Goods worth lakhs gutted in warehouse

Citys loud applause to Repertwahr

Legendary artists set tone for celebration

Kalburgi strums Xmas raag

Rajasthan HC rejects plea for premature release of 1993 train blast case convicts

JAIPUR:The Jaipur Bench of the Rajasthan High Court has refused to grant premature release to life convicts sentenced under the Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act (TADA) in the 1993 serial train bomb blasts case. Delivering the verdict, a division bench of Justices Sudesh Bansal and Bhuvan Goyal held that granting early release to those convicted of terrorism-related offences would endanger societal safety and national security. The court underlined that such leniency could undermine public confidence and disturb public order. The pleas were filed by Asfaq Khan from Dausa, Fazlur Rahman Sufi of Mumbai, Abre Rahmat Ansari of Kabinagar in Uttar Pradesh, and Mohammad Aijaz Akbar from Gulbarga. Each of them has spent more than two decades in prison and sought relief citing advanced age and deteriorating health. The convicts relied on the Ministry of Home Affairs guidelines, arguing that prisoners become eligible for consideration of premature release after completing 20 years of incarceration. They further claimed that their cases should be assessed in accordance with the remission policy prevailing at the time their sentences were awarded. Resisting the petitions, Additional Solicitor General Bharat Vyas and Advocate General Rajendra Prasad, representing the Centre and the Rajasthan government, argued that the Rajasthan Prisoners (Remission of Sentence) Rules, 2006, as well as the earlier 1958 rules, categorically prohibit early release of TADA convicts. They emphasised that Rule 9(5) specifically excludes such cases from being examined by the Advisory Board. The matter relates to the coordinated bomb attacks carried out on six long-distance trains passing through Mumbai, Surat, Lucknow, Kanpur and Hyderabad on the night of December 5, 1993. The blasts claimed two lives and left 22 people injured. The Central Bureau of Investigation probed the case, and upon completion of the trial on February 28, 2004, the accused were awarded life imprisonment.

'Dont cheat cricket fans': Shashi Tharoor urges BCCI to shift winter matches to South India

NEW DELHI: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Thursday urged authorities to avoid scheduling international matches in north India between mid-December and mid-January, citing persistent fog and poor visibility during the winter months. He suggested that matches during this period should instead be held in southern states, where weather conditions are more conducive to play, so that cricket fans do not feel cheated. Tharoors remarks came a day after the fourth T20 international between India and South Africa at Lucknows Ekana Stadium was abandoned without a ball being bowled due to dense smog and poor visibility. The match cancellation sparked criticism of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI )'s decision to host fixtures in north India during peak winter. Fourth India vs South Africa T20I called off due to fog in Lucknow, Gill set to miss last game with toe injury Speaking to reporters in the Parliament House complex, Tharoor said: My concern is that from the middle of December till the middle of January, every place in northern India is subject to fog, and you know perfectly well about it; it becomes impossible for cricketers to even see the ball. Describing the frustration among fans after the abandoned match, he added, Yesterday, the whole nation was frustrated that we could not have the match between South Africa and India. So, my argument simply is that during this period, schedule the matches in South India. During his interaction with the media, Tharoor also had a light-hearted exchange with BCCI Vice President and fellow Congress MP Rajeev Shukla, who happened to be passing by. Calling out to him, Tharoor remarked, Come and play in South India at this time. Highlighting Keralas readiness to host international cricket, the Thiruvananthapuram MP said: My Thiruvananthapuram has a wonderful stadium, we are ready to host people. Come and play. He pointed out that the Indian womens cricket team is already scheduled to play there towards the end of December. Tharoor stressed that weather conditions must be a key factor in planning fixtures. We should urge the BCCI to take the weather conditions into account when scheduling, he said. Kerala is ready, and I am sure other southern places are not going to have this kind of fog and poor visibility. So from mid-December to mid-January, no cricket matches in north India, please dont cheat cricket lovers. Earlier, Tharoor had also raised the issue in a post on X on Wednesday night, noting that cricket fans in Lucknow had been waiting in vain for the match to begin due to dense smog and an air quality index of 411, while Thiruvananthapuram, he said, had an AQI of around 68 at the same time.

Will Try To Make IPL 2026 The Turning Point Of My Life, Says LSGs New Recruit Raghuwanshi

Madhya Pradesh Premier League: Akshat Raghuwanshi's cricket career took off after the Covid-19 pandemic, when a century on debut in the Ranji Trophy made him one of the batting stars in Madhya Pradesh, helping them clinch the title for the first time. Now picked by Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL 2026 auction for Rs 2.2 crore, the middle-order batter from Ashok Nagar is determined to make his first appearance in the ten-team tournament the biggest turning point of his playing career. A turning point came after Covid-19, when I was playing in the U-19. I played well in U-19, and then I was picked for the Ranji Trophy, where I played well and made a hundred in my debut game. After that, I think I scored fifty-plus scores in four straight matches, as we won the Ranji Trophy that year. Yes, this is the best opportunity for me. I will try to make this IPL the turning point of my life, said Raghuwanshi in an exclusive conversation with IANS. The middle-order batter was focused on IPL 2026 auction proceedings with his teammates in a division tournament, feeling every emotion as his name was called for bidding from tension, to jubilation, and then a congratulatory message from India pacer Avesh Khan. I was seeing the whole auction from the beginning itself. I was quite nervous. So, before my name was about to come, a few names were already running, then suddenly it was a bit like, what will happen, will anyone take me or not? As soon as my name came, the first bid was made. I had all my teammates with me and the boys started screaming. They got happy and started singing and dancing. After that, the TV turned off. So, I didn't even know what happened, and to which team I went? But then I got a call from Avesh bhaiya, as soon as the bidding was completed. He told me that Lucknow has taken me, as he's also in that team and congratulated me. That's when I got to know that I would be a part of LSG, he recalled. The selection to LSG fulfilled a long-standing family dream. My family was very happy. I mean, they had this dream from the beginning that I should do well in cricket. So, they are very happy and celebrated this feat very well, said Raghuwanshi. Growing up in Ashoknagar, a place known for producing Sharbati flour, Raghuwanshis father laid the foundation of his cricketing skills. I started playing cricket when I was 4-5 years old. My father used to make me play with a plastic or a rubber ball. I used to play all day long. But when I was 10-11 years old, I decided that I had to play cricket. Because they made me start playing very early, I started liking it a lot. It was a lot of fun to play, and so, it was a very quick decision in my life to play cricket (professionally). When I was 10 years old, I shifted to Indore, as playing facilities werent present in Ashoknagar. His coaching transition also came at the right time. My father was my coach when I was young. But when I was 10-11 years old, my coach was Amay Khurasiya sir. He was the head coach at the MPCA academy. So, he taught me the techniques and basics of the game. Since featuring in Madhya Pradeshs Ranji Trophy-winning campaign, Raghuwanshis career has experienced a lean period, but recent white-ball performances indicate a promising turnaround. In this years Madhya Pradesh Premier League, Raghuwanshi emerged as the most notable batter of the tournament despite not leading the run charts. His explosive 105 off 45 balls against the Bhopal Leopards drew the attention of talent scouts, as he scored 239 runs in four innings at a strike rate of 177. Raghuwanshi acknowledges the pressure of expectations but also sees it as validation of his talent and abilities. Yes, absolutely. If you get to know that people have their eyes on you, then there is a little bit of pressure. But it also increases your self-belief a lot when other people are talking positively about you everywhere. So, you get a lot of confidence that I deserve to be at that level. With everyone saying good things about me, it helps a lot, and it feels really good when someone talks like this about me. His strokeplay is a key element of his distinctive aggressive style in T20 cricket, refusing to wait until he is set before launching his onslaught against bowlers. My aim while batting is always the same in T20s. If I get a little chance, that I can hit this ball for a four or six, then I give it a proper crack - whether it is the first or second ball, I don't see if I have gone or if I am set or not. If I feel that there is a ball in my area, then I take a proper chance on it, and it works for me. His signature shot the no-look upper cut over the third man - has been perfected through rigorous practice. Not instinctively, but I have practised it a lot in the last one or two years, especially with plastic balls for facing the bouncer, because in T20s, the third man is always up. In any situation, that area is always empty. So, whenever a bouncer comes, I try to hit it. While practising, I got so used to it that even without looking at the ball, if I put the bat on the ball, it comes out. Now, with practice, it has come so much in my muscle memory that it automatically comes out, he said. Raghuwanshi credits fellow Madhya Pradesh batting stars Rajat Patidar and Venkatesh Iyer for shaping his mental approach towards pressure situations. I get to learn a lot from people like Patidar and Iyer because in any tough situation, they tell me how to stay calm and composed. They always say that no matter what the situation is, have faith in yourself and keep batting. Normally, just don't think that this is the situation I have to get out of it or not. They just say, just keep batting and the team will get out of the situation. If you try to get out of it, then nothing can be done. But if you keep playing, you will get out of the situation. So, just try to stay there on the wicket. As he prepares for his IPL debut after fulfilling his commitments in Madhya Pradesh, Raghuwanshi's main focus is on learning and developing the mental strength needed to excel at the highest level. They always say that no matter what the situation is, have faith in yourself and keep batting. Normally, just don't think that this is the situation I have to get out of it or not. They just say, just keep batting and the team will get out of the situation. If you try to get out of it, then nothing can be done. But if you keep playing, you will get out of the situation. So, just try to stay there on the wicket. Also Read: Live Cricket Score He concluded by emphasising self-belief as the foundation of his success and regarded IPL 2026 as a pivotal moment in his career. I want to learn how to have self-confidence. The main thing in cricket these days is how good your self-belief is. The more self-belief you have, the better you can do in cricket. So, the main thing I want to learn is how to improve my self-belief. Article Source: IANS

UPEIDA issues fresh speed limits for expressways due to prevailing foggy conditions

LUCKNOW: The Uttar Pradesh Expressway Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA) issued fresh speed limit guidelines for the high-speed corridors, including the Agra-Lucknow, Purvanchal, Bundelkhand, and Gorakhpur Link Expressways. The move comes in the wake of the ongoing foggy conditions, leading to a rise in accidents on expressways owing to visibility issues. The revised speed limits will come into effect immediately and will remain in force till mid-February or until the fog conditions ease out. As per the authorities concerned, directives were present to issue overspeed challans through the Advanced Traffic Management System based on the new guidelines. For M-1 category vehicles (passenger vehicles with no more than eight seats, in addition to the drivers seat), the normal limit of 120 km/h will be lowered to 80 km/h during the day (8 am to 8 pm) and to 60 km/h at night (8 pm to 8 am). For M-2 and M-3 category vehicles (passenger vehicles with nine or more seats, including the drivers seat), the usual speed limit of 100 km/h has been reduced. During the day (8 am to 8 pm), the limit is now 60 km/h, and at night (8 pm to 8 am), it is 50 km/h. For N category vehicles and motor vehicles used to carry goods, the usual speed limit of 80 km/h has been reduced to 50 km/h during the day (8 am to 8 pm), and 40 km/h at night (8 pm to 8 am). The installation of fog lights at the entry and exit points of all expressways, along with a large board appealing to drivers to maintain controlled speeds in view of the danger posed by fog, are other measures to be put into place. As per the officials, directions have been issued to increase the number of road reflectors and blinkers along expressway curves and stretches prone to dense fog due to the proximity of rivers and streams. In heavy fog conditions (visibility less than 560 meters), the security team should stop vehicles at the nearest toll or wayside amenity, petrol pump, restaurant, gather them, and send them off in a convoy, security teams deployed at the expressways have been directed. A Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) would be prepared by UPIEDA, in coordination with the police, for the purpose, officials said.

Ace sculptor Ram V Sutar, creator of Statue of Unity, passes away at 100

Lucknow: Legendary sculptor Ram Vanji Sutar, best known as the designer of the Statue of Unity , the worlds tallest statue, passed away at his Noida residence late on Wednesday night. He was 100 and had been suffering from age-related ailments. Sutars son, Anil, confirmed his demise in a note shared with the media, stating that the renowned sculptor passed away peacefully at home around midnight on December 17. A gold medallist from Sir J J School of Art and Architecture, Mumbai, Sutar was born on February 19, 1925, in Gondur village of Dhule district in present-day Maharashtra. Despite coming from a humble background, he began showing a strong inclination towards sculpting from a young age. His career spanned several decades, earning him global recognition for his expertise in creating realistic sculptures. Among his most celebrated works is the Statue of Unity at Kevadia in Gujarat, the 182-metre tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Other notable creations include the seated meditative statue of Mahatma Gandhi at the Parliament complex, each reflecting exemplary artistry. Sutar was also associated with major upcoming projects, including the statue of Lord Ram being developed in Ayodhya and that of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Mumbai. He was awarded the Padma Shri in 1999 and the Padma Bhushan in 2016. Recently, he was conferred with the Maharashtra Bhushan Puraskar. Expressing grief over his demise, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath termed it an irreparable loss to the art world. Taking to X, the Chief Minister posted, he demise of the great sculptor, the artisan of world's tallest statue, the Statue of Unity, Padma Bhushan Shri Ram V Sutar ji is extremely sorrowful and an irreparable loss to the world of art... Om Shanti.

CRICKET | Chance for India to end series on a high

TWENTY20 | Cricket likely to take centre stage after the weather disruption in Lucknow with the Narendra Modi Stadium pitch and the dew factor making it conducive for scoring runs; South Africa, meanwhile, will count a series draw in the T20 format as a successful conclusion to the tour

'Live-in relationships not illegal, State must protect couples': Allahabad HC gives relief to 12 women

LUCKNOW: The Allahabad High Court has granted protection to 12 women who are in live-in relationships, observing that such relationships cannot be termed illegal and that living together without marriage does not amount to an offence. Hearing a batch of 12 petitions, a single-judge Bench comprising Justice Vivek Kumar Singh directed the police chiefs of the concerned districts to provide immediate protection to the petitioners if anyone attempted to harass them or disturb their peaceful living. The order was passed on Wednesday. The petitioners had approached the court, stating that they were facing threats to their lives due to their live-in relationships. They claimed they had sought help from local police authorities, but no action was taken. In all the writ petitions, which were clubbed together, the petitioners sought directions to the police to protect them from family members, relatives or associates who might cause harm. In its order, the court said the controversy involved in all the petitions was similar and was therefore being decided through a common order. The Bench observed that while the concept of live-in relationships may not be acceptable to all sections of society, it could not be said that such relationships were illegal or that cohabitation without marriage constituted an offence. Live-in relationships are still facing social stigma and moral debate, especially, regarding traditional values, children, differing religious/cultural perspectives. For some, it is immoral while others see it as a valid choice for compatibility, the court observed. Referring to statutory protections, the court noted, Even under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005, a woman who is in a domestic relationship has been provided protection, maintenance etc. The word wife has not been used under the said Act. Once an individual, who is a major, has chosen his/her partner, it is not for any other person, be it a family member, to object and cause a hindrance to their peaceful existence. The court emphasised that it was the bounden duty of the state to protect the life and liberty of every citizen. Mere fact that the petitioners had not solemnised marriage would not deprive them of their fundamental right as envisaged in the Constitution of India being citizens of India, it said, adding that it was not for the courts to judge adults who chose to live together without marriage. If the petitioners had not committed any offence, this court saw no reason as to why their prayer for grant of protection could not be acceded to, the order said. Therefore, with due respect to the judgments rendered by the co-ordinate benches, who have denied protection to couples, who were in a live-in relationship, this court is unable to adopt the same view. Having regard to the facts and circumstances of the case, this court is of the view that the petitioners are at liberty to live together peacefully and no person shall be permitted to interfere in their peaceful living, the Bench ruled. On the question of police protection, the court directed that if any disturbance was caused, the petitioners shall approach the Commissioner of Police/SSP/SP concerned with a certified copy of this order the police officer, after being satisfied that the petitioners are majors and willingly living together, will provide immediate protection The court further said, If the petitioners are educated and they produce educational certificates and other certificates admissible under law, from which it is evident that they have attained majority then no police officer shall take any coercive action against them unless an FIR is registered against them in respect of any offence whatsoever If they do not have any documentary proof regarding age and they come from rural background and or are illiterate/semi-literate, the police officer can subject such boy or girl to ossification test to verify their correct age and follow other procedures permissible under the law, the order added. During the hearing, the state government opposed the petitions, arguing that live-in relationships could not be accepted at the cost of the countrys social fabric. The government counsel submitted that such relationships had no legal status and could be terminated at will by either partner, leading to complications, including with respect to children born out of such relationships. There is no legal status of such a relationship and the legal status of the children born out of such a relationship would not be determined and it will create a lot of complications in the life of live-in partners, therefore, before seeking any relief from the court, they should marry first, the counsel argued. He further contended that allowing the petitions would impose an impermissible obligation on the state to supervise and protect personal choices, asserting that police protection could be granted only to couples who had solemnised marriage against family opposition, not to unmarried couples. In his concluding submission, the government counsel said, no relief can be granted by this court considering the status of the parties/petitioners. Rejecting the states objections, the court reiterated that adults in consensual relationships were entitled to protection of their life and liberty, irrespective of marital status.

BCCI addresses ticket refund issue, North India winter matches following fog-hit Lucknow T20I

After the India vs South Africa T20I in Lucknow was abandoned due to dense fog, the BCCI has addressed growing concerns over ticket refunds and the decision to host international matches in North India during peak winter months, clarifying its policy and logistical challenges.

Codeine cough syrup scam started in UP, govt shielding culprits: Akhilesh

Lucknow: Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav on Thursday alleged that a massive scam involving the illegal supply of codeine-based cough syrups running into thousands of crores originated in Uttar Pradesh and accused the BJP government of shielding those involved. Addressing a press conference at the party headquarters here after a meeting of the Samajwadi Party Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

NIA arrests Kashmir resident in Red Fort blast case; ninth arrest so far

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Thursday arrested a Jammu and Kashmir resident, who the investigators said was a close associate of alleged suicide bomber Umar-un-Nabi, the prime accused in the Red Fort blast case. This is the ninth arrest in the case. According to the agency, Yasir Ahmad Dar allegedly played an active role in the conspiracy behind the blast that claimed 15 lives and left many others injured on November 10. An active participant in the conspiracy, Dar had allegedly taken an oath for carrying out self-sacrificial operations, the NIA said. The 9th person to be arrested in the case, Yasir Ahmad Dar is a resident of Shopian, Srinagar (J&K). He was nabbed by NIA from New Delhi, and placed under arrest, an NIA spokesperson said in a statement. Dar was in close contact with the other accused persons in the case, including Umar-un-Nabi as well as Mufti Irfan, the agency said. The NIA has so far made nine arrests, including Dr Muzammil Shakeel Ganai of Pulwama, Dr Adeel Ahmed Rather of Anantnag, Dr Shaheen Saeed of Lucknow and Mufti Irfan Ahmad Wagay of Shopian. The agency also arrested Faridabad resident Soyab, who has been accused of providing shelter and logistic support to Umar, Amir Rashid Ali, in whose name the car used for the blast was registered, and Jasir Bilal Wani alias Danish, who provided technical support to Umar. (With inputs from PTI)

After Lucknow T20I Abandonment, UPCA To Begin Ticket Refund Process From Friday

After Lucknow T20I: Following the abandonment of the fourth T20I between India and South Africa due to excessive fog and poor visibility, Prem Manohar Gupta, the Secretary of the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA), said that the full ticket refund process will commence from Friday. Gupta confirmed that arrangements are being put in place by the governing body to ensure smooth reimbursements are done for spectators who had purchased tickets for the match in both offline and online mode. The ticket refund process will start from tomorrow morning. Those who purchased online will be refunded online. Only the service charges will be deducted. Rest, all the money will be refunded. For refunding those who purchased offline, we are going to set up booths at the Ekana Stadium. The process of refund will start from there and an advertisement for the same will be put in the newspapers. All the money will be refunded to all spectators, said Gupta to IANS on Thursday. Repeated inspections by on-field umpires K.N. Ananthapadmanabhan and Rohan Pandit, along with reserve umpire J.R. Madanagopal, didnt yield the desired outcome as the game was eventually called off at 9:30 pm at the BRSABV Ekana Cricket Stadium. For refunding those who purchased offline, we are going to set up booths at the Ekana Stadium. The process of refund will start from there and an advertisement for the same will be put in the newspapers. All the money will be refunded to all spectators, said Gupta to IANS on Thursday. Also Read: Live Cricket Score India, led by Suryakumar Yadav, holds a 2-1 lead in the five-match series against South Africa. The fifth and final game of the series will be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Friday. Article Source: IANS

India vs South Africa, 5th T20I - Who will win today IND vs SA match?

IND vs SA , 5 th T20I , Cricket Tips :Both teams and their fans were disappointed after the fourth T20I in Lucknow was called off due to excessive fog. Everyone expected a tight contest, but every effort went in vain. Now, these two sides move to Ahmedabad. The final game will kick off at 7 PM IST on Friday. This contest will be held at Narendra Modi Stadium. India have an excellent record at this venue and have won five of the seven T20I played here. Shubman Gill is likely to get fit and will be hoping to get into form at his favorites venue. South Africa would also like to use this opportunity, because this is the same stadium where they will kick off their campaign for the T20 World Cup 2026 after a couple of months. IND vs SA: Match Details Date : December 19, 2025 (Friday) Time : 7:00 PM IST Venue : Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad IND vs SA: Live Streaming Details Fans can enjoy the live action of the final T20I on the Star Sports Networks. Fans can also catch the game on the Jio Hotstar live streaming platforms. IND vs SA: Head-to-Head Total Matches : 35 India : 20 South Africa : 13 No-Result : 02 IND vs SA: Ground Pitch Report The wicket at Narendra Modi Stadium is considered a good batting surface. Batters can thrive here because of the bounce this wicket has. The new ball will do a bit early on, which will be a challenging phase. But the wicket is expected to settle down with time, and chasing will be better. IND vs SA: Possible XIs India : Abhishek Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Shubman Gill, Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy South Africa : Reeza Hendricks, Aiden Markram (c), Quinton de Kock (wk), Tristan Stubbs, Dewald Brevis, Donovan Ferreira, Corbin Bosch, Marco Jansen, Anrich Nortje, Lungi Ngidi, Ottneil Baartman IND vs SA: Player to Watch Out For Probable Best Batter Abhishek Sharma is the most dangerous Indian batter, purely because of the way he bats and takes the game forward. Quinton de Kock also possesses an aggressive batting approach and can take the game away. Probable Best Bowler Arshdeep Singh can set the tone with the new ball. He has among the best numbers within the power play. For South Africa, Lungi Ngidi has done well in different phases of the game. Today Match Prediction : India have an excellent record in Ahmedabad, and they are also in good form. Hence, we predict India to beat South Africa in the final game. IND vs SA Match 5th T20I, Today Match IND vs SA, IND vs SA Prediction, IND vs SA Predicted XIs, Injury Update of the match between India vs South Africa Also Read: Live Cricket Score Disclaimer : The prediction or cricket tips are purely based on the understanding and research of the writer. So kindly make sure to consider the points above while making your predictions.

Ticket Refunds Are The Responsibility Of The State Association (UPCA): BCCI

BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia: After the fourth T20I between India and South Africa was abandoned due to excessive fog and poor visibility, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia said that the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA) is the competent authority to oversee a full refund for ticket holders. The abandonment of the match sparked frustration among spectators, who are expecting a refund for their tickets. Under the BCCI's refund policy, spectators are eligible for reimbursement (minus fees) if a match is cancelled or abandoned before a single ball is bowled. That is under the domain of the state cricket association, which is UPCA. So, this games hosting state is the UPCA. So, they will be able to tell you about this, and they are the competent authority. Everything in ticketing is done by the state association, as the BCCI just gives them the hosting rights and all these things are taken care of and are under the domain of the state association, Saikia told IANS on Thursday. Repeated inspections by on-field umpires K.N. Ananthapadmanabhan and Rohan Pandit, along with reserve umpire J.R. Madanagopal, didnt yield the desired outcome as the game was eventually called off at 9.30 pm. Due to the match being abandoned at the BRSABV Ekana Cricket Stadium, India holds a 2-1 lead in the five-match series, with the fifth and final game set to take place at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Friday. The abandonment of the fourth T20I has reignited debate over the BCCIs scheduling of international games in winter months, particularly with this series against South Africa seen as a part of vital preparation ahead of the Mens T20 World Cup in February-March. This was the first time a T20I was staged in Lucknow in December, and it now carries the unwanted distinction of hosting Indias first major international match abandoned due to excessive fog. Indias seam-bowling all-rounder Hardik Pandya was even spotted wearing a mask in the middle, underscoring the severity of fog and the Air Quality Index (AQI), which remained hazardous. The scheduling of fixtures in North Indian winters has long been a contentious issue, and Saikia felt Wednesdays game being abandoned in Lucknow was just an exceptional situation. No, it is a solitary weather situation. Normally we have this kind of weather in the month of January. This time it is quite early, number one, and number two, we had a match in Dharamsala also the other day. Dharamsala is a much colder place. So you cannot predict fog, and rain. Nowadays cricket is a throughout the year annual event for 12, and we have to have the matches. When we saw that there were big disturbances from fog in northern India in the month of January, we already restructured our domestic cricket matches. That's why there is a big gap between Ranji Trophy matches in North India. If you look at our schedule, we have bifurcated the Ranji Trophy matches into two parts. During the first part of January, we are not scheduling any matches in North India from last year onwards, if you follow that. This Lucknow incident is an exceptional weather condition. We had three matches in North India - one in Chandigarh, Dharamshala and one in Lucknow - all are in the same build, he elaborated. Saikia also gave an example of how prior advice on smog affecting New Delhi after Diwali had led to the national capital hosting the second Test against the West Indies in October, instead of the originally decided series opener against South Africa. If we had got any sense that there will be something like this, you can take the example of rescheduling or swapping of the Test match in New Delhi. If you look at the West Indies match, the second Test was played in New Delhi. In fact, the second Test was scheduled to happen in Kolkata. Saikia also gave an example of how prior advice on smog affecting New Delhi after Diwali had led to the national capital hosting the second Test against the West Indies in October, instead of the originally decided series opener against South Africa. Also Read: Live Cricket Score I don't think Lucknow always has this kind of fog at this part of the time. Maybe in the first part of January, it is normal, but we are still in the second or third week of December. We still have 15 days time to be in that situation. That is one of the tough things we saw yesterday, and for this, we cannot have any kind of rescheduling, he concluded. Article Source: IANS

Long-distance bus travel offers cleaner air than polluted cities in winter: Study

NEW DELHI: A new study by Respirer Living Sciences in collaboration with IntrCity SmartBus has found that long-distance bus travel during winter exposes passengers to significantly cleaner air compared to the severely polluted conditions in many north and central Indian cities . The study, conducted from December 7 to 14, 2025, covered 11 intercity routes across the country and is Indias first to measure real-time air quality inside long-distance buses. Its findings show that passengers spent up to 80% of their travel time breathing air with PM2.5 levels below 60 micrograms per cubic metre (g/m). Across most routes, around 6080% of the journey duration recorded PM2.5 levels under 60 g/m, indicating generally acceptable in-cabin air quality during transit. The analysis suggests that air filtration and in-cabin air systems play a crucial role in reducing passenger exposure to pollution, even while travelling through heavily polluted corridors in northern and central India. The study notes that while pollution spikes did occur, they were short-lived and intermittent. Overall, a substantial share of bus travel took place under low to moderate PM2.5 levels, offering a relatively cleaner breathing environment compared to outdoor city air during winter. Route-wise data showed particularly favourable conditions on sectors such as DelhiKanpur, PuneNagpur, PuneBangalore, DelhiLucknow, PathankotDelhi, DelhiKatra, and KatraDelhi, where PM2.5 levels remained below 60 g/m for more than 80% of the travel time. In contrast, the DelhiPathankot and LucknowDelhi routes recorded slightly higher exposure, with over 20% of travel time exceeding the 60 g/m threshold. Even on routes with relatively higher pollution, exposure to PM2.5 concentrations above 90 g/m was generally limited to a small portion of the journeyoften less than 1015% of total travel time. According to the study, these brief pollution peaks are likely linked to short-term external factors such as traffic congestion or localised pollution hotspots. Researchers said the findings provide a detailed picture of passenger exposure to particulate pollution during long-distance road travel and add a new dimension to discussions on mobility and public health in India. The study is the first publicly shared evidence of real-time air quality conditions inside long-distance buses in the country. As North India chokes, there can be no hiding 'behind the smokescreen of farm fires anymore'

Shashi Tharoor's 'Come To Kerala' Tip To Rajeev Shukla After Fog Hits Lucknow T20

A day after an India-South Africa T20 match in Lucknow had to be cancelled due to dense fog, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has said the Board of Cricket Control in India (BCCI) should organise cricket matches during the winter in Kerala

'Stop winter cricket in North India': Shukla sounds alarm after Lucknow T20I

A thick blanket of smog forced the abandonment of the India-South Africa T20I in Lucknow, prompting the BCCI to reconsider winter scheduling in North India. Vice-president Rajeev Shukla called the air pollution an emergency, signaling a potential policy shift. Concerns over player safety and hazardous AQI levels led to the match's cancellation, with a series decider now set for Ahmedabad.

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Has any international match been abandoned due to fog before Lucknow T20I?

India's fourth T20I against South Africa in Lucknow was abandoned without a ball bowled due to excessive fog, sparking fan outrage and refund demands. This rare occurrence mirrors a 1998 Pakistan vs. Zimbabwe Test in Faisalabad, also called off entirely due to thick fog, highlighting the unusual nature of such cancellations in international cricket.

Fog plays spoilsport in 4th T20I

PTI Lucknow The fourth T20I between India and South Africa was called off on Wednesday owing to poor visibility after a dense layer of smog engulfed the Ekana Stadium raising serious questions about BCCIs scheduling of matches in northern part of India during peak winter month. The venues allotted for the full series against the [] The post Fog plays spoilsport in 4th T20I appeared first on The Navhind Times .

SA Have Been A Bit Hot And Cold In The T20I Series: Robin Uthappa

Robin Uthappa: As the fourth T20I of the five-match series between India and South Africa was called off without a ball being bowled due to excessive fog in Lucknow, pushing the series outcome to the final match, former India batter Robin Uthappa shared his thoughts on the series so far, saying that the visitors have been a bit hot and cold in the T20Is. Uthappa assessed South Africas showing on the tour, noting both their competitiveness and inconsistency in the T20I leg. Opining on the Proteas outings, Uthappa said on JioStar, South Africa have played very competitively, but theyve been a bit hot and cold in the T20I series. That said, it has still been very entertaining. I thought they bowled really well, while their batting has been a little inconsistent. Its going to be an interesting contest because they will want to level the series. Overall, theyve had a great tour. They dominated the Test series and were competitive in the white-ball formats as well. India came back strongly, but South Africa will want to win the next one and head home with their heads held high, he added. India, meanwhile, have leaned on their overall consistency, particularly in pressure moments, to stay ahead in the series. Their depth in both batting and bowling has allowed them to respond strongly after setbacks, keeping them in a position of advantage heading into the decider. Its going to be an interesting contest because they will want to level the series. Overall, theyve had a great tour. They dominated the Test series and were competitive in the white-ball formats as well. India came back strongly, but South Africa will want to win the next one and head home with their heads held high, he added. Also Read: Live Cricket Score With the fourth match abandoned, all eyes now turn to the final T20I, where South Africa will be eager to level the series, and India will look to seal it, setting the stage for a thrilling finish to an already compelling contest. Article Source: IANS

'No cricket...AQI 411': Tharoors stinging post after Lucknow T20I is lost to smog

The fourth T20I between India and South Africa in Lucknow was abandoned without a ball bowled due to persistent fog and poor air quality. Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor criticized the venue selection, highlighting the hazardous AQI and suggesting Thiruvananthapuram as a better alternative. Player welfare concerns were amplified as Hardik Pandya was seen wearing a mask during warm-ups.

Authorities caution against private apps AQI data after T20I washout in Lucknow

Following the cancellation of the fourth T20I between India and South Africa due to poor visibility caused by dense smog at the Ekana Stadium, the Uttar Pradesh government on Wednesday said Lucknows official air quality index (AQI) stood at 174, categorised as moderate. The state government cautioned the public against relying on air quality figures circulated on social media and private applications, terming many of them misleading and non-standardised. In an official statement, the government said confusion arises because several private apps use hyper-local readings and foreign benchmarks, such as the US Environmental Protection Agency norms, which differ significantly from Indias National Air Quality Index (NAQI) framework. Air quality in India is assessed under the NAQI system, which follows parameters and thresholds tailored to Indian climatic and environmental conditions. Official monitoring stations in Lucknow, including Lalbagh, Talkatora and Aliganj use certified and calibrated instruments, officials said. By contrast, many private platforms rely on satellite-based data or uncalibrated sensors, which are prone to higher margins of error and often show short-term, localised spikes caused by dust, traffic or nearby activities, the statement added. The match, scheduled to begin at 7 pm, was called off at 9.30 pm after six inspections, as visibility continued to deteriorate through the evening. Tharoor questions Lucknow venue after IndiaSouth Africa T20I abandoned due to smog; Gill set to miss final

'Sold wheat to watch the match': Fans heartbroken as 4th T20I abandoned

Dense fog and smog forced the abandonment of the India-South Africa T20I in Lucknow without a ball bowled, leaving thousands of fans deeply disappointed. Despite ticket refunds being available, many felt compensation couldn't replace the missed experience. The incident has sparked renewed criticism over scheduling matches in North India during peak pollution season.

Why BCCI Is To Be Blamed As Excessive Fog Ruins India-SA T20I - Explained

Indian cricket witnessed a rare and bizarre event on Wednesday. An international match - the India vs South Africa 4th T20I in Lucknow - was abandoned without a ball being bowled due to excessive fog

IND vs SA T20 match in Lucknow cancelled due to Delhi smog: Akhilesh Yadav

Lucknow: Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav on Wednesday raised concerns over air pollution in Lucknow after a cricket match between South Africa and India was called off due to smog in the state capital. In a post on social media platform X, Yadav claimed that pollution from Delhi had reached Lucknow, saying the issue was Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

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What the smog! Visibility low, common sense lower in Lucknow T20I fiasco

What the smog! Visibility low, common sense lower in Lucknow T20I fiasco

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Fans fume as fog steals the show

BCCI scheduling under scanner as fourth India-SA T20I called off

Lucknow, Dec 17: The fourth T20I between India and South Africa was called off on Wednesday owing to poor visibility after a dense layer of smog engulfed the Ekana Stadium raising serious questions about BCCIs scheduling of matches in northern part of India during peak winter month. The venues allotted for the full series against []

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Match Should Have Been Played In Afternoon: Fans React After Fourth T20I Called Off Due To Dense Fog

Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari: The abandonment of the fourth T20I between India and South Africa in Lucknow due to dense fog sparked frustration among spectators, who felt the match should have been scheduled in the afternoon to avoid visibility issues caused by the winter season in northern and central India. At the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, on-field umpires Rohan Pandit and K.N. Ananthapadmanabhan conducted six inspections, where the fog got worse as the evening progressed and AQI levels neared 400, before the game was called off. We wanted to win in the beginning, but the match didnt happen. I wanted to see Shubman Gill, but he wasnt there playing, said a young boy to IANS outside the stadium. Another fan asked for the abandoned game to be rescheduled. The public waited for a long time, including till the end, for the match to happen. Yes, it's a disappointment. We want this match to be rescheduled. Interestingly, on Wednesday, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued an orange alert for very dense fog in 13 districts of eastern and central Uttar Pradesh. It also issued a yellow alert for dense fog in 27 districts from the eastern to western parts of the state. The BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla, who holds significant influence in the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Stadium (UPCA), did have a chat with the umpires, but that didnt force the fog to go down. Once the match was abandoned, there was huge criticism over the games scheduling at this time of the year from the BCCIs Tours and Fixtures Committee. I want to say that today's weather prediction is so accurate that we already know what the weather will be like for the day. If we knew this, we could have seen this played as a match in the afternoon. It could have been held from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. If it had been played in the day, we wouldn't have had this problem. All the people who have been disappointed today because of the match cancellation, it wouldnt have happened if they had planned for it to happen in the afternoon, and it would have happened easily. There is no fog in the afternoon, and everyone would have come, said another fan to IANS. I want to say that today's weather prediction is so accurate that we already know what the weather will be like for the day. If we knew this, we could have seen this played as a match in the afternoon. It could have been held from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. If it had been played in the day, we wouldn't have had this problem. Also Read: Live Cricket Score I don't want to get angry. Everyone's safety is important. The safety of our players is very important. We don't want anyone to get hurt or injured. But we want them to know this beforehand. Everything is already known in the forecast. Accordingly, they should have played the match in the afternoon, he concluded. Article Source: IANS

HC transfers case of Rahul Gandhis citizenship from Raebareli to Lucknow

Lucknow: The Lucknow bench of Allahabad High Court on Wednesday transferred a criminal complaint questioning the citizenship of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi from Raebareli to Lucknow after the petitioner claimed that he was receiving life threats there and cannot get a fair hearing. Justice BR Singh passed the order on the petition of S Vignesh Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

BCCI scheduling comes under scanner after 4th T20I called off due to dense smog

The fourth T20I between India and South Africa in Lucknow was cancelled due to dense smog. Poor visibility halted play, raising concerns about the BCCI's scheduling during peak winter pollution. The Air Quality Index was hazardous. Players wore masks. This incident highlights potential issues with venue selection in northern India during winter months.

Tharoor questions Lucknow venue after IndiaSouth Africa T20I abandoned due to smog; Gill set to miss final

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Wednesday commented on the fourth T20 International between India and South Africa being abandoned in Lucknow due to dense smog, suggesting the match should have been scheduled in Thiruvananthapuram instead of a north Indian city grappling with severe air pollution. The match was called off without a ball being bowled after visibility at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium was badly affected by a thick blanket of smog on Wednesday evening. Reacting on X, Tharoor said cricket fans had been left waiting in vain for the IndiaSouth Africa fixture to begin in Lucknow, but poor visibility caused by widespread smog made play impossible. Pointing to air quality concerns across north India, he said the game should have been held in Thiruvananthapuram, where air quality levels were significantly better. Several north Indian cities, including New Delhi, Agra, Lucknow and Chandigarh, remained enveloped in smog through the day. While Delhi recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 334 in the very poor category, Lucknow registered an AQI of 171, classified as moderate, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board. However, pollution levels varied across the Uttar Pradesh capital. Three of the citys six monitoring stationsKendriya Vidyalaya, Lalbagh and the Talkatora District Industries Centrerecorded AQI levels above 200, placing them in the poor category. The BCCI's Tours and Fixtures Committee's decision to slot matches in the eastern and northern regions of the country during winters has come under the scanner. Meanwhile, India vice-captain Shubman Gill is likely to miss the final T20I against South Africa after suffering a toe injury during a nets session, with the team opting for caution ahead of the T20 World Cup. Sanju Samson is expected to open in his absence. Gill was hit on the toe late in an extended practice session and was in visible discomfort, prompting the team to rest him as a precaution, a BCCI source said. His availability for the Ahmedabad game remains uncertain. The injury comes amid scrutiny over Gills form, with modest returns in the series, while Sanju Samson has impressed in recent outings. Gill had earlier missed the Test and ODI series against South Africa due to a neck injury that required hospitalisation. Despite the dip in form, the coaching staff led by Gautam Gambhir has reiterated its backing of Gill, viewing him as a key top-order batter for the T20 World Cup early next year. (With inputs from PTI)

India v SA T20 abandoned because of 'excessive fog'

The fourth T20 between India and South Africa is abandoned on Wednesday because of excessive fog at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow.

Should've Played In Kerala: Tharoor After India vs South Africa Lucknow T20 Called Off Due To Fog

The Air Quality Index (AQI) remained in the hazardous range, above 400 in Lucknow on Wednesday, raising serious questions about the BCCIs commitment to players welfare.

Befuddled By Umpires: T20 World Cup Winner Fumes As Fog Delays 4th T20I

The India vs South Africa 4th T20I in Lucknow on Wednesday could well have decided the result of the series, with the hosts needing a win to seal it. However, what the two teams and the thousands of...

Fourth T20I Between India And South Africa Abandoned Due To Excessive Fog In Lucknow

Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari: The fourth T20I between India and South Africa was abandoned at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium on Wednesday due to excessive fog leading to poor visibility. Umpires Rohan Pandit and KN Ananthapadmanabhan delayed the toss and conducted multiple inspections, including one at 9:25 pm by looking at the floodlights from the batter's crease, before calling off the game at 9:30 pm local time. With no play possible in Lucknow, much to the dismay of a lot of enthusiastic fans at the stadium, India remain 2-1 ahead in the five-match series and cannot lose the trophy. The teams will now turn their attention to the fifth and final match scheduled to take place at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Friday. India vice-captain Shubman Gill will be eager to regain full fitness ahead of Fridays contest at the place where he has enjoyed prolific success with the bat, including his lone T20I century, and boasts a strong IPL record. But with the opener nursing a foot injury, it raises the likelihood of Sanju Samson featuring in the playing eleven. The first indications of a possible abandonment of the first T20I to be held in Lucknow in December came when the toss, scheduled for 6:30 pm IST, was initially delayed to 6:50 pm. But with the fog not going away, further inspections were scheduled at 7:30 pm, 8:00 pm, 8:30 pm, and 9:00 pm. Amidst the inspections, Jasprit Bumrahs participation in warm-ups provided reassurance after missing the third T20I in Dharamsala due to personal reasons. But with the fog not relenting, players from both sides indulged in warm-up routines but were eventually forced to go indoors, even as the ground staff used a light roller on the pitch. Indias seam-bowling all-rounder Hardik Pandya was seen wearing a face mask, underlining concerns about the hazardous air quality index, hovering above 400. The fog at the stadium was so thick that spectators were barely able to see the stands situated on the opposite end. Pandit and Ananthapadmanabhan did some visibility drills during the 8 pm inspection -- one of the umpires held the ball up at the far end of the pitch, while another umpire went to deep midwicket to see if the ball was visible. Once it was clear that the ball wasnt to be sighted easily, another inspection was lined up. Indias seam-bowling all-rounder Hardik Pandya was seen wearing a face mask, underlining concerns about the hazardous air quality index, hovering above 400. The fog at the stadium was so thick that spectators were barely able to see the stands situated on the opposite end. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Questions will be raised over the scheduling of the fixture. What is the peak winter time in North and Central India? For now, smile, you are in Lucknow - the familiar tagline of the City of Nawabs went missing as excessive fog took over the venue, leaving everyone dismayed. Article Source: IANS

Fourth T20I abandoned due to foggy conditions in Lucknow

The series moves to its finale in Ahmedabad with India 2-1 up

Waiting in vain: Tharoor reacts to IND-SA match cancellation; cites Kerala's AQI

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor criticized hosting the India-South Africa T20I in Lucknow due to severe air pollution and dense fog, leading to its cancellation. He suggested Thiruvananthapuram as a better alternative with significantly improved air quality. The match was called off after repeated delays due to poor visibility, impacting cricket fans.

Two suspected cow smugglers arrested after encounter in UP's Mirzapur

SP leader Sumaiyya Rana files complaint against Bihar CM, UP minister over hijab controversy

LUCKNOW: In response to the Hijab controversy created by Bihar CM Nitish Kumar, Samajwadi Party national spokesperson and daughter of noted poet late Munawwar Rana, Sumaiyya Rana, submitted a written complaint at Lucknow's Kaiserbagh police station against CM and UP fisheries minister Sanjay Nishad, seeking legal action over their alleged objectionable conduct and remarks. In her complaint, Sumaiyya Rana cited social media visuals showing Bihar CM Nitish Kumar trying to remove a womans hijab while giving her appointment letter stating that the incident led to widespread resentment among Muslims and was seen as an attack on women's dignity. The complaint also states that UP minister Sanjay Nishad made disrespectful and indecent comments on the entire incident. Deputy Commissioner of Police, West Zone, Vishwajeet Srivastava, confirmed that the complaint was received but added that an FIR on the basis of it was yet to be registered. Rana, in her complaint, alleged that a video circulating on social media showed the Bihar CM allegedly pulling the veil (hijab) off the face of a Muslim woman during a public event. She stated in the complaint that the incident caused widespread anger within the Muslim community and deeply hurt the dignity and modesty of Muslim women. She claimed that such actions and statements could disturb communal harmony and create an atmosphere of social tension. The complainant urged the police to take cognisance of the matter, register a case on her complaint, and initiate necessary legal action against those responsible in accordance with the law to prevent any deterioration of the communal situation. Rana told the media persons that she would wait for a couple of days before proceeding with further action if the police did not initiate any. A video went viral on social media, showing footage of Bihar CM Nitish Kumar handing over the appointment letter to a woman, gesturing towards her headscarf, questioning her about it, and asking her to remove it. Moments later, he appears to pull it down himself. The incident reportedly occurred at an appointment letter distribution ceremony for newly appointed AYUSH doctors in Patna on December 15. Meanwhile, UP minister Sanjay Nishad took the controversy a step ahead by defending Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. Nishad, speaking to a local news channel on the incident, questioned what would have happened if Kumar had ouched somewhere else. J&K leaders demand apology, resignation after Bihar CM Nitish Kumar pulls down woman doctors hijab