Top 10 Off-Field Moments from 2023

The year 2023 was full of several memorable moments on the field as numerous historic incidents were witnessed on the cricket pitch. While many notable happenings on the 22 yards made headlines, a few off-field moments also became the talk of the town.

The entire calendar was filled with some controversial moments as a few on-field controversies continued off the pitch as well while some heartwarming moments between players were also witnessed. Meanwhile, some merry moments from the dressing room also went viral as fans got to see the incredible camaraderie among players.

As the year 2023 comes to a close, let’s take a look at the top ten off-field moments of the year which made headlines:

1. Lord’s Long Room Drama during the Ashes

The second Test of the Ashes 2023 at the iconic Lord’s Stadium found itself in a controversy due to the contentious stumping dismissal of Jonny Bairstow. The dismissal sent shockwaves in the entire cricketing fraternity as some Australian players were also confronted by the MCC members in the long room. As a result, the members were banned from entry to the stadium.

2. Shaheen Afridi presents gifts for Jasprit Bumrah’s newborn son

In a heartwarming gesture, Pakistan fast bowler Shaheen Afridi presented gifts for Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah’s newborn son during the Asia Cup 2023. The duo were seen engaging in a light conversation and the moment was instantly loved by the fans from both countries diminishing the boundaries between two countries.

Also Read: MCC expels member involved in Lord's Long Room altercation with Australia players

3. Team India’s Fielding Medal Ceremony

The ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 in India will always be remembered for the dominating performance of the home team in the league stage along with the fielding medal ceremony in the dressing room. India’s fielding coach T Dilip came up with innovative ideas every time to announce the winners of the medal which became an instant hit on social media.

4. Match delayed due to the third umpire being stuck in lift

The Day 3 of the second Test between Australia and Pakistan came to a halt due to a bizarre reason as the third umpire Richard Illingworth was stuck in a lift. The hilarious incident took place at the start of the second session as the play was delayed by six months due to Illingworth’s absence from his viewing box. Australian opener David Warner was seen having a laugh after he got to know the reason behind the delay and reserve umpire Phillip Gillespie filled in to substitute as third umpire.

Also Read: AUS vs PAK: Play delayed at MCG as third umpire gets stuck in elevator

5. Mitchell Marsh’s celebratory pose with World Cup Trophy creates wild uproar

Australian all-rounder Mitchell Marsh decided to celebrate Australia’s sixth World Cup victory in a unique fashion as he posted a picture with both his legs on the coveted trophy. The image didn’t go down well with billions of Indian fans who alleged him for disrespecting the trophy. India fast bowler Mohammed Shami also commented on the controversy and said that he felt hurt by it.

6. Hardik Pandya’s Trade to Mumbai Indians ahead of IPL 2024 auction

The star all-rounder returned to the franchise that built him in his initial years after parting ways with them two years back. After leaving Mumbai, Pandya found immense success in Gujarat Titans having led them to their maiden title on their debut season in 2022. He further led them to their second consecutive final in 2023 as well.

Also Read: How much has Hardik Pandya earned in IPL over the years?

However, ahead of the IPL 2024 auction, Pandya was traded back to Mumbai Indians who paid INR 15 Crore to Gujarat to acquire him along with an undisclosed transfer fee. The move led to a wild uproar in the cricketing fraternity as Mumbai even appointed Pandya as their new captain removing Rohit Sharma who led them to joint-record five IPL titles.

7. Prime Minister Narendra Modi visiting India’s dressing room after loss in World Cup final

Team India suffered a harrowing defeat in the final of the ODI World Cup 2023 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad losing the match by six wickets. Following the heartbreaking loss, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Indian dressing room to console the Indian team. The heartfelt moment was loved by Indian fans.

8. Shikhar Dhawan granted divorce by Delhi Court

Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan was granted divorce by a Delhi Court on grounds of cruelty by his estranged wife Aesha Dhawan. The Family Court Judge Harish Kumar observed that the cricketer was subjected to mental agony by his wife who forced him to live away from his son Zoraver. After getting to know about the mental torture the cricketer went through in his marriage, fans sympathized with him by sending messages in his support.

9. Afghanistan Cricket Board sanctioned players for prioritising league cricket over playing for country

The Afghanistan Cricket Board in a historic move sanctioned Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi and Naveen Ul Haq and announced to not grant NOCs (no-objection certificates) for the trio for the next two years. Notably, the players wanted to be released from the national contracts to ply their trade in franchise T20 leagues. The move became a landmark incident in the current cricketing world where T20 leagues are dominating international cricket.

10. Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins’ record-breaking IPL bid

The record books were shattered during the IPL 2024 auction as the Australian seam duo of Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins were sold for big bucks. It was Australian captain Pat Cummins who first became the most expensive player in the history of IPL auction surpassing Sam Curran as he got sold for INR 20.50 crore to Sunrisers Hyderabad.

However, Cummins’ record didn’t last long as his Australian teammate Mitchell Starc broke his record getting sold for a whopping INR 24.75 Crore to Kolkata Knight Riders.