Cricket is one of the most popular team sports on the planet. The sports universe has come to a standstill because of the Coronavirus pandemic right now. Except for a few regions, there is zero sports action. Also, even in countries where sports games are happening, spectators are not permitted to watch the game live.
Hence, the organizers have called off several important matches and series. But, it is not the first time a cricket match has been called off. Often rain has also played a spoilsport here, but the following five games had to be called off because of outside disruption.
Australia vs. West Indies, 1978
Back in the year 1978, Australia toured West Indies to play the Frank Worrell Trophy. West Indies had already taken an unassailable lead of 3-1 before the final game. Australia almost won the final game but in the closing junctures of the game, the umpire declared Vanburn Holder out. The player felt the decision was wrong, which is why he tried to gesture it to the umpire. The fans lost their minds after that gesture as they pelted stones on the match officials and the match ended in a draw.
Pakistan vs. England, 2001
During the 2001 Natwest Tri-Series between Australia, England, and Pakistan, the crowd invaded pitches frequently. In one of the games, Pakistan bowled out the home side for just 156 runs. The Men in Green were very close to the target when the fans tried to stop the game with their invasion. Ultimately, English skipper Alec Stewart had to concede the win.
India vs. Sri Lanka, 1996
Every ’90s cricket fan would remember this incident from the 1996 World Cup finale where the fans set the seats on fire after India faltered against Sri Lanka in the 1996 World Cup semifinal. The islanders progressed to the finale and even won the trophy.
Pakistan vs. England, 1969
Another encounter between Pakistan and England to feature on this list is from the year 1969. There were some political tensions in Pakistan, and on the third day of the final Test match, a riot broke out in the Asian country. To protect the tourists, ECB called their players home the same night.
India vs. West Indies, 1967
As per some sources, the groundsmen had sold extra tickets to the fans via duplication and black marketing for the second Test between India and West Indies in 1966/67. The crowd stayed calm on the first day, but on the second day, they lost their cool and came on to the field, battling with the policemen. They even set a makeshift stand on fire. West Indies immediately said no to play even a single ball on that day.
