Yesterday’s India vs South Africa T20I in Lucknow was called off due to poor visibility and a hazardous AQI that had crossed the 400 mark. The toss kept getting postponed, umpires continued their inspection rounds in hope of improvement, spectators sat waiting in the cold after spending their hard-earned money, but the haze stubbornly refused to lift, denying them even the sight of a single player stepping onto the field, let alone any meaningful play.

While Delhi and the neighbouring NCR region’s long-running battle with pathetic AQI has always enjoyed centre-stage outrage and endless headlines, Lucknow seems to be quietly mastering the art of catching up without the same noise. But this changed due to yesterday's cancelled T20I match at Ekana Stadium.

Much has remained common between the two cities. Both are behemoth capitals, the food overlaps generously with Mughlai and Awadhi traditions, the history runs deep, and now there is a fresh addition to the list. The AQI of Lucknow and Delhi seems to be syncing up rather well, almost like matching tuxedos no one asked for.

Ironically, it took a match cancellation for Lucknow’s air-quality crisis to earn national and even international attention. As visuals of the haze-choked Ekana Stadium flooded the internet, social media erupted with tweets, memes and hot takes from politicians and public figures alike. What stood out most were the images and clips of Indian skipper Hardik Pandya, spotted wearing a mask during warm-ups before the match was eventually called off. The moment travelled far and wide, becoming a stark visual summary of just how unbreathable Lucknow’s air had become.

One of the Knocksense team members who went to watch the match shared, "The cold was intense and the stadium wasn’t even visible from the road outside due to the smog. Not a single player stepped out onto the field, and the umpires kept making inspection rounds as conditions failed to improve. After navigating traffic snarls and the biting cold to reach the stadium, it was utterly disappointing that the match didn’t happen at all."

Now, while Delhi’s air quality crisis can be linked to its larger population, higher vehicular density, industrial emissions, and stubble burning in nearby states, Lucknow recording similarly alarming AQI levels despite comparatively fewer pressure points is worth serious attention.

Sure, policy reforms and stricter regulations from the government are essential to slow down the deterioration in air quality. But the bigger and more immediate impact can come from us as citizens. Here’s what we can do:

• Consider electric vehicles if you are planning to buy one, and ensure regular servicing of existing vehicles to keep emissions in check.

• Use public transport, carpool with colleagues, and opt for walking or cycling for short, everyday errands whenever possible.

• Avoid unnecessary vehicle use for recreational outings, especially on days when air quality is poor.

• Do not burn waste or allow others around you to do so, and report open waste burning or illegal dumping to local authorities instead of ignoring it.

• Avoid coal-based cooking methods, hukkahs, and limit the use of diesel generators to situations of absolute necessity.

• Support nearby local vendors and markets to reduce delivery-related vehicular emissions from quick commerce, food delivery, and e-commerce platforms.

• Use air-purifying plants at homes, offices, and balconies to improve indoor air quality.

• Where possible, opt for digital work, virtual meetings, and flexible work models to cut down on daily commute emissions.

• Teach children, family members, and peers about air quality basics so awareness becomes a habit, not just activism.