The Most Emotional Moments in Cricket, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the moments you think is the most emotional!

Updated on May 7, 2024 06:15

Cricket, with its rich history and deep emotional connections, often presents moments that resonate deeply with fans and players alike. Such moments can define careers, alter games, and impact fans around the world. By ranking these emotional high points, we gain insight into what truly moves and excites cricket enthusiasts. This site offers a dynamic and engaging way for fans to interact and share their opinions on these poignant cricket moments. Everyone has a chance to contribute by voting for the instances that they found most impactful. Through your votes, a live and continuously updated ranking emerges, reflecting the collective sentiment of cricket fans globally.

What Are the Most Emotional Moments in Cricket?

1

22
votes
Sachin Tendulkar's retirement

Sachin Tendulkar

The emotional moment when the legendary Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar retired from all forms of cricket in 2013.
Sachin Tendulkar's retirement was a significant and emotional event in the world of cricket. Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar, often referred to as the 'God of Cricket,' announced his retirement from international cricket on 10th October 2013, marking the end of a glorious career that spanned 24 years.

Date: 10th October 2013

Duration: 24 years

Player: Sachin Tendulkar

Nickname: God of Cricket

Format: International cricket
2

40
votes
Phillip Hughes' death

The tragic incident of Australian cricketer Phillip Hughes' death after being hit by a bouncer during a domestic match in 2014.
The 'Phillip Hughes' death' refers to the tragic incident that occurred on November 27, 2014, when Australian cricketer Phillip Hughes was struck on the neck by a bouncer during a Sheffield Shield match at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Hughes, just 25 years old at the time, collapsed on the field and was immediately taken to the hospital for treatment. Despite efforts to revive him, Hughes passed away on November 27, 2014, as a result of a severe head injury caused by the cricket ball impact.

Date: November 27, 2014

Location: Sydney Cricket Ground, Australia

Player: Phillip Hughes

Age: 25

Cause of death: Severe head injury resulting from the impact of a bouncer
3

31
votes
India's 2011 World Cup win

The moment when India won the Cricket World Cup for the second time in 2011, in front of a home crowd at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
India's 2011 World Cup win is a historic moment in cricket that took place on April 2, 2011, when the Indian cricket team emerged victorious in the ICC Cricket World Cup. The final match was played at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, India, against Sri Lanka. It marked India's second World Cup win, with their first victory achieved in 1983. The win was a sensational and emotional moment for the entire nation, igniting celebrations across India.

Date: April 2, 2011

Location: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, India

Opponent: Sri Lanka

World Cup Edition: 2011

Victory Margin: 6 wickets
4

18
votes
Ben Stokes' 2019 World Cup heroics

Ben Stokes

The stunning performance of England all-rounder Ben Stokes in the 2019 World Cup final, which helped England win their first-ever World Cup.
Ben Stokes' 2019 World Cup heroics refer to the incredible performance by English cricketer Ben Stokes during the final match of the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup. His exceptional batting skills and nerve-wracking display of determination played a pivotal role in helping England secure their first-ever World Cup triumph in a thrilling encounter against New Zealand.

Event: 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup

Match: Final

Teams: England vs. New Zealand

Date: July 14, 2019

Venue: Lord's Cricket Ground, London
5

6
votes
Brian Lara's farewell

Brian Lara

The emotional farewell of West Indian legend Brian Lara, who retired from international cricket in 2007.
Brian Lara's farewell was a highly emotional moment in cricket, marking the retirement of one of the greatest batsmen in the history of the sport. It took place on April 21, 2007, at Queen's Park Oval in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. Lara, representing the West Indies cricket team, bid farewell to international cricket in his home country.

Date: April 21, 2007

Date: 21st April 2007

Venue: Queen's Park Oval, Trinidad and Tobago

Opponent: England

Innings: 1st Innings
6

5
votes
Shane Warne's 700th Test wicket

Shane Warne

The moment when Australian spin legend Shane Warne claimed his 700th Test wicket, becoming the first cricketer to achieve this feat.
Shane Warne's 700th Test wicket was a historic milestone achieved by the Australian cricketer Shane Warne during the Ashes series in 2006. It was an incredibly emotional moment for Warne, his teammates, and cricket fans worldwide.

Test Match: Ashes series in 2006

Wicket Number: 700th

Emotion: Highly emotional

Player Nationality: Australian

Importance: Historic milestone
7

10
votes
MS Dhoni's World Cup-winning six

Mahendra Singh Dhoni

The iconic moment when Indian captain MS Dhoni hit a six off Sri Lankan pacer Nuwan Kulasekara to win the 2011 World Cup.
The MS Dhoni's World Cup-winning six refers to the iconic moment during the final match of the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup when Mahendra Singh Dhoni, the captain of the Indian cricket team, hit a six to secure victory for India.

Event: 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup Final

Match: India vs Sri Lanka

Date: April 2, 2011

Venue: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, India

Situation: India requiring 4 runs to win with just 10 balls remaining
8

8
votes
Adam Gilchrist's farewell

Adam Gilchrist himself

The emotional farewell of Australian wicketkeeper-batsman Adam Gilchrist, who retired from international cricket in 2008.
Adam Gilchrist's farewell was a deeply emotional moment in the sport of cricket as one of Australia's greatest wicket-keeper batsmen bid farewell to his international career. It was a poignant and nostalgic event, marked by tributes and heartfelt sentiments from both teammates and opponents.

Date: 24th January 2008

Venue: WACA Ground, Perth, Australia

Match: 5th Ashes Test, Australia vs England

Innings: 53 (39 balls)

Runs: 67
9

4
votes
Jonty Rhodes' run-out in 1992 World Cup

Jonty Rhodes

The moment when South African fielder Jonty Rhodes ran out Pakistan's Inzamam-ul-Haq with a spectacular diving effort in the 1992 World Cup.
Jonty Rhodes' run-out in the 1992 World Cup is regarded as one of the most emotional moments in cricket history. It showcased Rhodes' exceptional fielding skills and determination while representing South Africa against Pakistan in the tournament.

Event: 1992 World Cup

Teams: South Africa vs Pakistan

Player Involved: Jonty Rhodes

Action: Run-out

Importance: Emotional
10

10
votes
Andrew Flintoff consoling Brett Lee in 2005 Ashes

Andrew Flintoff

The heartwarming moment when English all-rounder Andrew Flintoff consoled Australian fast bowler Brett Lee after a thrilling Ashes Test match in 2005.
The 'Andrew Flintoff consoling Brett Lee' moment in the 2005 Ashes refers to the 2nd Test match between England and Australia, held at Edgbaston, Birmingham. This emotional moment occurred on the final day of the match, during the second innings of Australia. Brett Lee, the Australian tailender, batted valiantly with injured teammate Michael Kasprowicz, forming a crucial partnership that brought Australia within touching distance of victory. However, with just 2 runs required to win, England's star all-rounder Andrew Flintoff produced a remarkable delivery to dismiss Kasprowicz, leading to England's victory by just 2 runs. After the dismissal, Flintoff showed great sportsmanship and empathy by consoling an emotional Brett Lee, who was devastated by the close loss.

Year: 2005

Match type: Test cricket

Teams: England vs Australia

Venue: Edgbaston, Birmingham

Test match number: 2nd Test

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Discussion

Ranking factors for emotional moments

Historical context

Consider the significance of the match within the larger historical narrative of the sport. Some moments may be emotional due to the rivalry between teams or because it marks the culmination of a long journey for a player or team.
Personal stories

Many emotional moments in cricket are linked to individual players' personal journeys, including their struggles, achievements, and comebacks. Consider how the moment might have felt for the player and his family and friends.
Game situation

The stakes of the game and the level of competition can make a moment emotional. A nail-biting finish or a hard-fought victory against a stronger opposition adds to the drama and emotion of a moment.
Impact on team and country

Consider the implications of the moment for the team and the country it represents. A World Cup victory or a landmark test series win evokes strong emotions among players and fans alike.
Sportsmanship

Cricket, like any sport, is not just about winning or losing but also about the spirit of the game. Emotional moments can come from acts of sportsmanship, such as when opposing players console each other or display mutual respect.
Record-breaking achievements

Individual or team records are milestones in a player's career, and breaking these records can result in emotional moments. Such achievements highlight the hard work, perseverance, and dedication of the players.
Career milestones

Many cricketers have spent years playing the game and making significant contributions to their teams. Celebrating milestones such as a player's final game, reaching a significant number of matches, or scoring a specific number of runs can be emotional moments.
Unexpected twists

Cricket is famous for its unpredictability, and some emotional moments come from unexpected twists in a game. A sudden collapse by a batting team or a spectacular catch can leave players and fans emotional.
Fan engagement

The passion and support of cricket fans play a significant role in making a moment emotional. Moments that bring joy to fans or display the deep connection between players and fans can be very emotional.
Commentary and media coverage

The way a moment is presented and covered by commentators and the media can contribute to the emotional reactions it elicits. A memorable call, a particularly evocative image, or a moving report can add to the emotion of a cricketing moment.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most emotional moments in cricket. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Moment is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

2656 views
142 votes
10 ranked items

Movers & Shakers

Sachin Tendulkar's retirement
Phillip Hughes' death
Shane Warne's 700th Test wicket
Andrew Flintoff consoling Brett Lee in 2005 Ashes

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Moment once every 24 hours. The rank of each Moment is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

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More information on most emotional moments in cricket

Cricket is a sport that is beloved by many around the world, with millions tuning in to watch the matches and cheer on their favorite teams. The game has a long and storied history, filled with moments of triumph and heartbreak. One of the most fascinating aspects of cricket is the emotional rollercoaster that players and fans go through during a match. From the highs of a thrilling victory to the lows of a devastating defeat, cricket has the power to elicit strong emotions in those who follow it. In this article, we will explore some of the most emotional moments in cricket history, from heartwarming displays of sportsmanship to tearful farewells to legendary players.