8 instances when cricketers broke into tears

AB de Villiers was distraught after losing to New Zealand in the 2015 WC semi-finalCricket has always been known to evoke emotions. For both the cricketer and the audience, the game lays bare the deepest of emotions. Whether it is your favourite player hitting a century or someone missing a catch, every action on the field is lived by the audince. When there is so much at stake, maybe it is not unusual to see tears once in a while on the field.Sometimes they are happy moments and sometimes they initiate controversies. However, it is clear enough that only true passion for the game would make cricketers break into tears. Here is a look at eight instances when cricketers could not help crying out either in happiness or in anguish during fiercely contested matches:

#1 Tendulkar after his 100th century

It was indeed one of the most special days in cricket when Sachin Tendulkar made a record of a lifetime: his 100th century. The Master Blaster became the first batsman to make 100 international centuries, getting to the milestone against Bangladesh at the Shere Bangla stadium in Mirpur at the 2012 Asia Cup.

This moment has remained unforgettable for cricket fans all over the world and the legendary cricketer himself couldn’t stop his tears. Looking at the sky, paying a tribute to his father, Sachin had tears in his eyes, a sight that someday might become iconic.

#2 Virat Kohli after India exited 2012 World T20

#3 South Africa after crashing out of 2015 WC

In the World Cup 2015, South Africa came very close in the semi finals to beat New Zealand and qualify for the finals. It was one of the most important and exciting matches of the whole tournament when everything came down to the last over, but South Africa lost again. The emotions were quickly seen on the faces of the whole team, and it was impossible to stop the tears.

The battle hardened South African team looked shattered as they were vying for their first World Cup title and renounce their ‘choker’ title. Captain AB de Villiers, pacer Morne Morkel particularly looked inconsolable as they missed a spot in the finals by a hair.

#4 Inzamam-ul-Haq in his last ODI match

Former Pakistan batsman and skipper, Inzamam-ul-Haq, could not stop weeping when he got out in World Cup match in 2007 against Zimbabwe. It was his last ODI match before retiring from the game and as he was walking back to the pavilion, the emotions got the better of him.

Bidding adieu to international cricket is never easy. The Multan batsman, known for his massive sixes and bold strokeplay was congratulated by every member of the Zimbabwe team and his own team mates walked along with him to the pavilion, showing their mark of respect.

#5 Yuvraj-Harbhajan after winning 2011 WC

Winning it for a nation where cricket is not a game but a religion, Yuvraj Singh and Harbhajan Singh let their emotions show when they won the 2011 World Cup in India. The last over commenced with India needing 15 runs to win the match. As the entire country waited with bated breathe, captain MS Dhoni won the match with his trademark ‘helicopter’ shot.

Yuvraj Singh, who had a brilliant World Cup had an emotional moment with one of his closest friends, Harbhajan Singh as India took home the trophy after 28 years.

#6 Team Bangladesh after losing 2012 Asia Cup

Bangladesh as a team has been on the rise in the last few years with their strong performances in both bi-lateral series and marquee tournaments.

Not one player but the entire Bangladesh cricket team broke into tears when they lost the Asia Cup final in 2012 against Pakistan by just two runs. The whole team hugged each other to express their sorrow and shed lots of tears in grief. In the video, Bangladesh star Shakib al Hasan tries very hard to console Mushfiqur Rehman as other youngsters look heartbroken with the loss.

The team may have lost the Cup that night but their fighting attitude won millions of hearts.

#7 Vinod Kambli after losing 1996 WC semi-final

During the 1996 World Cup, cricketer Vinod Kambli couldn’t hold back his grief when the semi-final match was handed to Sri Lanka. Angered by an Indian collapse of seven wickets for 22, after India were on course at 98 for one chasing 252, some sections of the Eden Gardens crowd threw bottles on to the outfield and set fire to the seating. Match referee Clive Lloyd took the teams off for 15 minutes, attempted a restart and then awarded Sri Lanka the game by default.

Chasing Sri Lanka’s total of 251, India was stumbling at 120-8, when the umpire gave away the match to Sri Lanka. Vinod Kambli, who was batting at that time, had run out of support at the other end and also had to endure the ignominy of conceding the match before its logical conclusion. It was perhaps unsurprising that Kambli could not stop crying.

#8 When Harbhajan Singh slapped Sreesanth

Sreesanth had his most embarrassing moment in cricket when Harbhajan Singh slapped him in the face for saying “hard luck.” Sreesanth, with tears in eyes, was seen by millions before the camera, after his team Kings XI Punjab defeated Mumbai Indians in IPL 2008.

Both of them play for India and were friends and team mates. Being hit by a team mate must have caused Sreesanth some heartburn. As a result, he ended up in tears. The ‘slapgate’ incident brought up the issue of ‘spirit of cricket’ and how it painted an unsavoury picture.