‘Tried to dust off my screen’ – Heavy smog in India-NZ Kanpur Test leaves viewers unimpressed

Viewers tuning in to the first Test match between India and New Zealand in Kanpur were in for an unpleasant experience with the live visuals hazy courtesy of the thick layering of smog at the venue.

The first Test match in India after a gap of eight months was much anticipated but cricket fans were left disappointed as heavy smog affected their TV-watching experience. With temperatures already around 15 degrees Celsius in Kanpur, there was always expected to be fog at the venue, but an increased Air Quality Index (which read a severe 201 at 11.15 am IST), not uncommon in North India at this time of the year, further combined to affect the picture quality of the images being shown on TV.

It led to plenty of reactions, with many expressing concern over the safety of the players who are taking the field in an environment that is far from ideal.

Tough for players and fans, same happened in Syed Myshtaq Ali as well. pic.twitter.com/8pw5tPvGaK

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) November 25, 2021

0830 in the morning. Index reporting ‘very unhealthy’ air quality today. Will be interesting to see how players cope (+ match officials + fans). https://t.co/EpVgn58bC4 pic.twitter.com/hvD9FEXoji

— Peter Clinton (@PeterClinton5) November 25, 2021

I thought something was wrong with my TV, but no, the air quality in Kampur is appalling. #INDvNZ https://t.co/qpuEehfIGL

— Melanie (@Melanie_Skelany) November 25, 2021

Horrible air quality and vision even on screen post Diwali

— KASHISH (@crickashish217) November 25, 2021

https://t.co/B7zHyFvh7M pic.twitter.com/fVy8au8FgV

— Kartik O 🏏⚽🔗 (@KOCricket528) November 25, 2021

Air quality is so bad in North India, not only NZ will suffer from serious health issues, but on TV match looks so hazy! Poor stadium choice by BCCI.

— Idealist (@Idealis21234782) November 25, 2021

There should be careful consideration when scheduling matches in areas where smog/haze can be quite heavy in winter. Player and spectator welfare is most important.#INDvNZ #INDvsNZ

— CricBlog ✍ (@cric_blog) November 25, 2021

Tried to dust off my screen. But picture is no clearer. Guess it’s the haze in Kanpur after all. #INDvNZ

— Anand Vasu (@anandvasu) November 25, 2021

Unpopular opinion: Cricket matches in India don’t look great on TV. It’s invariably hazy, the outfield isn’t picture-perfect, the stands don’t look pleasant, and the ground is always full of hoardings from tacky brands. #INDvsNZ

— Rahul Fernandes (@newspaperwallah) November 25, 2021