Cricket is a funny game, they say. Sometimes it is a funny game. The game has seen some wonderful moments after its invention. There has bee some moment which has changed the game completely. But, there are also some weird bizarre moments, that never happened in cricket and might not happen again. As the game between #NZvBAN T20I was paused because of a miscalculation of runs in the DLS method, we give you 10 Bizarre Moments in Cricket History That Never Happened.

10 Bizarre Moments in Cricket History

#1 Pollard got taped

During a game against RCB in the 2015 Indian Premier League, Kieron Pollard taped his mouth. While he was trying to get under the skin of his fellow West Indian batter Chris Gayle, the umpires were not happy about that. As the umpires asked him to be quiet, Pollard taped his mouth and did not utter a word to Gayle after that.

Every one at the ground was shocked and saw the funny side of it. However, Gayle did not saw anything funny on that. This is one of the weird moments in cricket history.

Read Also: Most sixes in T20 Internationals by a batsman: Cricket Records

#2 Bees want to play

Cricket is a famous game for Indian people, so for the Indian bees as well. During a Test match between India and England at Delhi's Ferozshah Kotla stadium, bees attacked the ground. The incident made the players, officials and ground staff hot the ground to not get stung.

This incident repeated again during a 2019 Cricket World Cup match between South Africa and Sri Lanka at Chester-le-Street, Durham.

#3 Inzi wants to hit him

Generally, Inzamam-Ul-Haq is a very quiet and chilled person. But, even a person like him lost his cool. In 1997 the test match between the arch-rivals India and Pakistan was played in Toronto, Canada. The match was going normally until an angry Inzamam-Ul-Haq went towards the crowd to hit a fan.

One of the fans from the crowd was mocking Inzi with words like "Aloo". Inzi lost control of himself after few minutes and went to beat him. Luckily, the security personnel stooped him. Post that incident, Inzamam was banned for two Tests by ICC.

Read Also: Top 5 Most runs at Number 3 in ODIs: Kohli Crosses 10000 runs at number 3

#4 The Score Mistake

This is the most recent one in our list of 10 bizarre moments in cricket history. New Zealand batted first in a T20I match against Bangladesh at  McLean Park, New Zealand. Due to rain, the first inning had to stop at 17.5 overs. The Black caps were at 173/5. As the Bangladesh team came to bat they were unsure about the target they need to chase.

After 9 balls into the chase, the game was paused as the target was said to be 170. Though the Bangladesh team knew the target was 148. Later, the target was revised to 171 after 13 overs. This is one of the rare occasion in cricket history where the batting team was not sure about the target.

However, it was some technical issue that caused the confusion which meant the DLS sheet could not be handed over to the teams.

#5 The South African Heart Break- 1992 World Cup Semi-final

South Africa is one of the teams not to win a single ICC trophy despite their great team and individual players. In the 1992 World Cup Semi-Finals, they suffered another heart-break.

However, this time they could not do anything about it. It was again the DLS method. The DLS method was taken into the game to solve the issue when the game could not be played full over. The rain stopped play with the Proteas needing 22 off 13 balls for the position in the final. But, as the play resumed the scoreboard showed they needed an impossible 22 off 1 ball.

This is one of the heartbreaking moment in World Cup History. The Proteas team never played a World Cup final after that.

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#6 Masseur's Debut in a Test Match

This is not only a bizarre cricket moment but also a funny moment. With team Australia sending their extra players in squad to play domestic matches, they were in bit of trouble.

The occasion was set. It was the first-ever day-night test match. Grant Baldwin, the Australian team masseur and logistics assistant, was doing his normal duty. But as Mitchell Starc got injured, the team was forced to send in Baldwin to filed in place of Starc.

Baldwin was a Second Grade player for Victoria. This might be a special moment for him to field for his country in a test match. Not everyone has achieved that.

Buy the book- The Cricket War: The Story of Kerry Packer's World Series Cricket

#7 Holding free kicks the stumps

The mighty West Indies toured New Zealand post wining the series in Australia in 1980. The World Champions were looking to beat them in three days. However, likes of Richard Hadlee and John Wright made sure the battle went till the last day.

On the fifth day Michael Holding was bowling some bullets. John Parker, seemed to have gloved on of his balls to the wicketkeeper. Holding was so confident that he celebrated even without appealing. However, he was shocked to see that umpire John Hastie did not move, as he adjudged the appeal as not out.

Holding couldn't control hid anger. He aggressively kicked the batsman's end stumps. The middle stump went flying. The amature photograph of that incident is one of the iconic cricket photos ever.

Colin Croft even said that the picture could have made Holding eligible for a Manchester United trials.

#8 Eden Gardens and the 1996 World Cup Semi-finals

Eden Gardens is regarded as one of the iconic stadiums in the world. The stage was set, India was facing the neighbours Sri Lanka in the 1996 World Cup Semi-finals.

Chasing 252, India had a split start. However with India on 97/1, Sachin got dismissed by Sanath Jayasuriya. Sachin's wicket turned out to be the moment of the match as India lost 7 wickets in just 23 runs.

The crowd at Eden Gardens went crazy. Perhaps, it went out of control as they started throwing bottles. Moreover, some of them set fire to the seats as well.

After observing the situation, match referee Clive Lloyd stopped the match. Therefore, due to the match situation the match was awarded to the Sri Lanka team, with Vinod Kambli not out at 10 of 29 balls.

Kambli leaving the ground crying is another iconic cricket picture.

#9 Ranatunga walking off to support Muralitharan

During the 1999 Sri Lankan tour to Australia, one man was in the news more often than not. Muthaiah Muralitharan, a off-spinner with an unique action was alleged of chucking by umpire Ross Emerson. Emerson had called no-balls before against Murali in their previous tour.

In the 19th over, as soon as Murali bowled the second ball, Emerson from square leg called no-ball.

Sri Lankan captain Arjuna Ranatunga seemed furious on that. Perhaps, the game stopped for "12 minutes" as he gestured his teammates to walk off the ground. The captain supported the dejected bowler, as perhaps went on to become the greatest spinner of all time.

#10 Harbhajan's slap to Sreesanth: "Slapgate"

The "Slapgate" is one of the most controversial incidents in IPL history. In 2008, Harbhajan was the captain of the Mumbai Indians team. While Sreesanth was one of the exciting young talents playing for Kings XI Punjab.

Sreesanth was always upfront when comes to his celebrations. The send-offs were always special. However, Bhajji did not like his send-offs against his players. As Sreesanth bowled them out for a fantastic win, an angry Harbhajan slapped him down the boundary line post-match.

Though there is no footage of the slap, everyone watching the match saw both of them breaking down after the match. Due to this incident, then Mumbai Indian coach, Lalchand Rajpoot lost his job. Though Harbhajan apologised later and the matter was sorted, it still remains one of the bizarre moments in cricket history.

A stand at the iconic Eden Gardens Stadium in Kolkata will soon be named after India's legendary fast bowler Jhulan Goswami. 

According to ICC, the Block B Gallery of Eden Gardens will be renamed in her honor. This stand will be inaugurated during the Indian women's team's first T20I match against England on January 22 next year.

Also Read: 2024 ICC Women's T20 World Cup stats: Most Wickets and Everything

Stands have also been built at Eden Gardens in the names of former Indian captain and BCCI president Sourav Ganguly, former Indian cricketer Pankaj Roy, and former BCCI presidents Jagmohan Dalmiya and Biswanath Dutt.

Highest wicket-taker in women's ODI

Jhulan Goswami retired two years ago after an illustrious 20-year career with the Indian women's team. She was considered one of the best fast bowlers in women's cricket. Her career is still reflected in the impressive record that she maintains even after her retirement. Goswami holds the record for taking the highest number of wickets (255) in women's ODI.

Jhulan Goswami ended her career after appearing in 12 Tests, 204 ODIs and 68 T20Is and taking 355 wickets across all formats. In the women's Test format, Goswami has taken 44 wickets in 12 matches at an average of 17.36 and an economy of 2.02.

Goswami has 56 wickets to her name in the women's T20I format, with an average of 21.94 and an economy of 5.45. In the ODI format, she has taken 255 wickets in 204 matches at an average of 22.04.

Also Read: All the ICC Women’s T20 Cricket World Cup winners

Working as bowling coach of MI

The 41-year-old Goswami is currently working as the bowling coach and mentor of the Mumbai Indians in the Women's Premier League (WPL), which won the inaugural season of the league. Earlier this year, Goswami was the team mentor at the Women's Caribbean Premier League franchise Trinbago Knight Riders. 

After retirement, Goswami has worked as a mentor for the senior Bengal women's team and has also been involved in the Women's Premier League.

During a Dallas Cowboys NFL game in Houston, USA, the team owner, Jerry Jones, honoured the legendary Sachin Tendulkar with a special jersey customed with Number 10.

Cricket Legend Sachin Tendulkar watched Cowboys lose 47-9 to the Lions pic.twitter.com/JRKjuhMnlU

— FirstSportz NFL (@FirstSportz_NFL) October 14, 2024

Cricket is a growing sport in the United States, having its footprints in the country via the National Cricket League (NCL). Tendulkar, a co-owner of the NCL, is playing a pivotal role in introducing and spreading the cricket fever amongst the new generation audience in America.

The innovative Sixty Strikes format is trying to bridge the worlds of cricket and American sports.

The Tendulkar Effect

Earlier on Sunday, Tendulkar hit off the NCL's community to inspire the young athletes at Dallas' University of Texas.

In his speech, he said, "Cricket has given me so much, and being here in Dallas—both teaching these young athletes and receiving this incredible recognition—has been truly humbling."

He added, "Inspiring these kids and sharing my journey with them has been incredibly fulfilling. I want them to know that with dedication, passion, and belief, they can achieve anything—whether on the cricket field or in life."

The NCL has quickly reached the audience. It has a good blend of world-class cricket with cultural events and initiatives focused on the community. The tournament will conclude on Monday.

Legends United

Reknowned names like Shahid Afridi, Suresh Raina, Shakib Al Hasan, and Chris Lynn have featured in the league, making it a premier event for global cricket.

The National Cricket League has also attracted legends like Sunil Gavaskar, Wasim Akram, and Sir Vivian Richards as mentors of the teams.

endorsed by the International Cricket Council and supported by SEE Holdings, the National Cricket League has its headquarters in Dallas.

The Pakistan team was heavily trolled when they waved the Chinese flag in the India versus China match in Asian Champions Trophy final match in China. But then, a totally different picture came in front when pakistani chess players chose to appreciate the Indian Contingents. India, standing out as the winner in both male and female and male chess Olympiads, got a heartwarming but not unusual gesture from the Pakistani contingent.

Pakistan players chose to pose with the Indian players, holding the flag. The photo stands out as an utmost flagbearer of peace. 

For a long time, critics and enthusiasts have been trying to promote sports as a mode of friendship. and why not! Seeing the two neighbours excelling simultaneously should be a matter of pride! But whenever situations favoured, trolls took the internet.

Pakistani fans donning Virat Kohli's jersey to Indian fans appreciating rookies like Shaheen Shah. the 90s kids have been idolizing both Sachin Tendulkar and Wasim Akram at its peak! Yet the tag "big-arc' rival got stuck to these countries due to geopolitical unrest!

A fan who has always wanted to shed off the hate every time a Mohammed Amir hugs a Virat Kohli is presenting four such instances when the GAME PROMOTED PEACE AND NOT HATERED!

Shahid Afridi

A household name, may be for his excellence or for him coming back from retirements, had shown his respect for his neighbour in 2018.

2018 St. Moritz Cricket Tournament in Switzerland, a tournament was played on frozen lake in sub-zero temperature. A matting wicket was made on the ice to play. A charity match where not just Afridi but legends like Shoaib Akhter, Virender Shehwag, Zaheer Khan, Graeme Smith, Andrew Symonds, and many others attended.

A handful of Indian and Pakistani fans were there, who urged Afridi to pose with them. One had an Indian flag that crumbled when Afridi requested "flag seeda rakho apna (straighten your flag).

This broke the internet with love. Not only that, he acknowledged fans from both countries for showering the bulk of love he got.

Even in a Legends' League match, he was seen giving an autograph to an Indian fan on his flag.

𝑩𝑰𝑮 𝑴𝑨𝑵 𝑾𝑰𝑻𝑯 𝑨 𝑩𝑰𝑮 𝑯𝑬𝑨𝑹𝑻 😍

Shahid Afridi gives an autograph to a fan on the Indian flag 🙌#LLC2023 @SAfridiOfficial pic.twitter.com/LonnLwlDAt

— Cricket Pakistan (@cricketpakcompk) March 19, 2023

Read also: A Bronze costs just USD 100: Trembling Future of Pakistan Hockey Team

Shaheen Shah Afridi 

Amidst trolls for mimicking KL Rahul, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's departure to him, there's another side to this young left arm fast bowler.

During the Asia Cup, when the suspended match at Colombo frowned the fans, Shaheen brought a gift to his contemporary best Jasprit Bumrah, and definitely some awe moment to the fans.

Shaheen congratulated Bumrah for his baby boy and gifted him stuffs for his son Angad. Burmah's wife, the sports presenter Sanjana Ganseshan too appreciated Shaheen's gesture.

An introduction to Shaheen's kindness is now leading to gate where he showed respect to Bumrah's country. In the 2022 World Cup match at Sydney, Shaheen was seen sighing an Indian flag offered by a fan. 

Arshad Nadeem

The bromance between Arshad Nadeem and Neeraj Chopra is not unknown to the athletics fan. The amount of respect each one has for the other has reached to their own residence, with their mothers claiming the other athlete as like their own son.

However, the competition here is not exactly "fierce," as in cricket. The mutual respect has restricted it to "entertaining" competitions.  A proof? Definitely!

The Budapest World Championships got the first ever medallist for Pakistan. It was their Arshad Nadeem winning the silver with a throw of 87.82 metres. Neeraj Chopra got the gold with 88.17 m. 

However, Nadeem felt short of Pakistan's flag while posing. When Neeraj offering his own flag, Nadeem accepted to stand holding it and pose, showing respect not just to his mate but to India as well.

Read Also: Cricket versus "Sports": A friend or a foe?

Shahzaib Rindh

Not so common name for the common fans, but the Salman Khan fan and a Karate champion Shahzaib Rindh held both Pakistan and India's flags promoting peace.

In a Karate combat event, the Pak rising star defeated the Indian opponent Rana Singh by 2-1 contest. However, emerging victorious, he waved both the flags and voiced his urge to promote peace.

“This fight was for peace. We are not enemies, we are together. Together we can do anything. This fight is for Pakistan and India’s friendship and being closer,” Shahzaib stated after the fight.

His words resonated deeply with fans, transcending the realm of sports and entering the realm of diplomacy. Shahzaib’s act was a reminder that sports can also inspire unity, not just rivalry.

A beautiful and powerful message by Pakistani fighter @RindhShahzaib after his victory over Indian fighter in @KarateCombat #KC45
Pakistan beat India by 2-1 in team competition in Dubai last night.. #ShahzaibRind #KarateCombat #PakvsInd #PakvInd #Unity pic.twitter.com/tCikyDBNrM

— Eco Vibes 🌍 (@EcoVibeExplorer) April 20, 2024

Sports for Peace

Here are just four instances when an athlete kept rivalry aside, by respecting the flag. But there are a good number of off-field stories that promotes love and respect between players and fands of two countries.

Amidst all the hate and political dipolitics that have poisoned the air, isn't it high time to promote sports as a torchbearer of peace and brotherhood? 

The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 is to be organized in UAE from October 3. This time 10 teams will be seen playing in the tournament. Now before the start of the tournament, all the teams will play warm-up matches and finalize their preparations. 

In the first warm-up match, the Pakistan women's team will face the Scotland women's team, this match will be played on September 28.

Also Read: ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024: Squads of every team

India will play two warm-up matches

All the 10 teams participating in the Women's T20 World Cup 2024 will play two practice matches each. The Indian women's team will play its first warm-up match against West Indies on September 29 while the second warm-up match will play against South Africa on October 1. All the warm-up matches will start at 07:30 PM IST at Dubai Ground.

Women’s T20 World Cup 2024: Warm-Up Schedule

Where to watch the warm-up matches of the Women's T20 World Cup 2024 live on TV?

The warm-up matches will be live on Star Sports Network on TV. 

Where to watch the live streaming of the warm-up matches?

You can watch live streaming of all the matches on the Disney+Hotstar app.

Also Read: ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024 Schedule: India to play New Zealand first, followed by Pakistan

Indian women's team has not won the title yet

The Indian women's team has not yet won the T20 World Cup title. The team had made it to the finals of the year 2020, but then it had to face defeat by Australia. So far only the teams of Australia, England, and West Indies have been able to win the title.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Tuesday announced that equal prize money will now be awarded to men and women in the World Cup, starting with the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024 to be held in the United Arab Emirates next month. 

Also Read: ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024 Schedule: India to play New Zealand first, followed by Pakistan

Prize money increased by 134 percent

According to the ICC statement, the team that wins the Women's T20 World Cup 2024 will now get US$ 2.34 million. Australia had received prize money of $1 million for winning the World Cup played in South Africa last year. In this way, it has increased by 134 percent.

The ICC said, the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024 will be the first ICC tournament in which women will receive equal prize money as men, which will be a significant achievement in the history of the game.

ICC decided to equalize the prize money seven years ahead

The decision was taken at the ICC Annual Conference in July 2023 when the ICC Board decided to equalize the prize money seven years ahead of its previously scheduled 2030 schedule. Cricket thus becomes the first major sport in which the World Cup has equal prize money for men and women. 

The Indian men's team had received prize money of 23 lakh 40 thousand US dollars for becoming the winner of the Men's T20 World Cup 2024 played in America and West Indies this year.

Also Read: ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024: BCCI name 15-member squad for the tournament

The stage is set for the historic moment

The stage is set for what will be a historic moment for the Women's T20 World Cup 2024, as the world's best teams clash for the coveted title and record-breaking prizes.

All group matches will be completed before October 15, after which all eyes will be on the semi-finals to be held on October 17 and 18. The winning teams of semi-finals one and two will face each other in the final for the trophy on October 20.