10 Heartbreaking cricket moments of 2024 that made us cry

10 Heartbreaking cricket moments of 2024 that made us cry – Ashwin and Kohli Emotional Speak (Photo: Bcci.tv)

The year 2024 was an emotional rollercoaster for cricket fans, especially in India. From tears of joy to instances of disbelief. One of the most sensitive moments came on June 29, 2024, when India, under Rohit Sharma’s captaincy, clinched the T20 World Cup, their first ICC title win in over a decade. After years of heartbreak in ICC tournaments, the Men in Blue finally delivered.

However, just as India was celebrating their win, the world was hit with the news of two icons stepping away from T20Is. Rohit and Virat Kohli, who were crucial to the World Cup win, bid farewell to the shortest format. Then came the heartbreak. After their World Cup title, India faced a historic defeat at home, an infamous 0-3 whitewash in the Test series against New Zealand. The year was even emotional for teams like, Afghanistan, the USA, and Nepal as well, who had their fair share of memorable moments on the field.

Here are some heartbreaking cricket moments of 2024 that made us cry:

10. Neil Wagner’s emotional speech after announcing retirement:

Neil Wagner Press Conference (Photo by Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images)

Former New Zealand pacer Neil Wagner broke down in tears as he announced his retirement from international cricket on February 27, 2024. The decision was revealed when coach Gary Stead announced Wagner would not feature in the squad for the two-Test series against Australia.

Addressing the press at Wellington’s Basin Reserve, Wagner reflected on his career and expressed his pleasure in representing New Zealand in 64 Tests. In his career, he picked 260 wickets at an average of 27.57 and a strike rate of 52.7, second only to the legendary Sir Richard Hadlee among Kiwi bowlers with over 100 wickets.

9. Kavya Maran breaks down after SRH lose IPL final to KKR:

Kavya Maran. (Source -Twitter/X)

The IPL 2024 final ended disappointingly for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) as they suffered an eight-wicket defeat to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Led by Shreyas Iyer, KKR claimed their third IPL title, ending their trophy drought. For SRH owner Kavya Maran, the defeat was emotional, as she was seen applauding her team’s effort before breaking into tears. Her reaction, captured on camera, saw her waving to the crowd and then wiping her tears. Despite the loss, Kavya visited the SRH dressing room to congratulate the team for a brilliant season.

“You all have made so, so proud. I had to come here and tell you that. I mean, you’ve redefined how we play T20 cricket. And everyone is talking about us. The off-day had to happen today. But, great job, with the bat and ball. Thank you so much, and even though we finished last place last year, I think all the fans came out in numbers because of the potential you guys had. Everyone is talking about us. Even if KKR won, everyone would be talking about the style of cricket we’ve played. Thank you guys, take care. Don’t look like this. We played in the finals. It wasn’t just any other game,” Kavya said.

8. Nepal players in tears post narrow defeat to South Africa in T20 World Cup:

Nepal Cricket. (Source – Getty Images)

Nepal’s dreams of advancing to the Super 8s of the T20 World Cup 2024 were spoilt in a nail-biting one-run defeat to South Africa in Kingstown. Chasing 115, Nepal fell short at 114, with 17-year-old Gulsan Jha running out on the final ball as they required two runs for victory.

Nepal were set for a historic win, needing 22 from the final 24 balls. But South Africa’s Tabraiz Shamsi turned the game, claiming two wickets in quick succession. The emotions were evident, with players consoling one another. In the stands, Nepali fans, who had passionately supported their team, were also shocked and heartbroken.

7. Harmanpreet-Smriti breakdown after India fails to qualify for semis in WT20WC:

Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana (Source: Alex Davidson-ICC/ICC via Getty Images)

India’s campaign in the Women’s T20 World Cup ended in heartbreak as the team crashed out in the group stages, failing to qualify for the semifinals for the first time since 2016. Entering the tournament as one of the favourites, the Women in Blue came under pressure. Harmanpreet Kaur’s fifty in a do-or-die match against Australia went in vain as wickets around her fell in quick succession.

The heartbreak left Harmanpreet to break into tears as India fell short yet again. In the dressing room, Smriti Mandhana was also seen sitting devastated, watching the collapse of the batting line-up. Alongside her, fast bowler Renuka Thakur covered her face in disbelief.

6. Rashid Khan in tears after Afghanistan’s fairytale World Cup run ends in semi-final:

Rashid Khan Crying (Source: Rashid Khan/Twitter/X)

Afghanistan’s skipper, Rashid Khan couldn’t hold back his tears after his team’s historic T20 World Cup 2024 run ended in heartbreak. Facing South Africa in their first-ever semi-final, Afghanistan was under pressure playing against the Proteas side, losing by nine wickets on Thursday. The victory guided South Africa to their maiden T20 World Cup final. Skipper Rashid struggled to hold back tears post-match. The image of the teary-eyed spinner went viral.

“We will always remember this #T20WorldCup! The fight put ahead by each and everyone of this team is commendable and I’m really proud of all of us! We will continue to build from here and comeback with more grit in the next one Thank you to each and everyone who believed in us and helped us to keep the fight on,” Rashid said.

5. Graham Thorpe’s untimely demise:

Graham Thorpe. (Source – Twitter/X)

The world was shell-shocked with the untimely demise of former England and Surrey cricketer, Graham Thorpe, who tragically took his own life on August 4 at the age of 55. An inquest revealed Thorpe was struck by a train in Esher, Surrey, following a long battle with major depression and anxiety. Thorpe was one of England’s finest batters, scoring 6,744 Test runs, including 16 centuries, at an average of 44.66 during his 100-match Test career (1993-2005).

Post-retirement, he became a celebrated coach, mentoring stars like Joe Root and Ben Stokes. Woking Coroner’s Court expressed heartfelt condolences to his family. “Despite having a wife and two daughters whom he loved and who loved him, he did not get better,” Mr Thorpe said.

4. Vinod Kambli’s deteriorated health:

Vinod Kambli. (Photo Source: ANI)

The 52-year-old, Vinod Kambli was admitted to Akruti Hospital in Bhiwandi’s Kalher area, Thane district, on December 21 after his health suddenly deteriorated. Kambli who had earlier been admitted for discomfort eventually was diagnosed with brain clots, after the reports came. Kambli’s health came to notice during a function in Mumbai’s Shivaji Park where he was struggling to speak. 

One of Kambli’s fans facilitated his admission. After receiving treatment for various ailments, the former cricketer was discharged on January 1, 2025. He came out wearing India’s new ODI jersey, and Kambli walked out with the support of family and friends.

3. David Miller & South African team emotional after T20WC final loss to India:

David Miller (Source: Photo by Alex Davidson-ICC/ICC via Getty Images and Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

South Africa’s dream for their maiden ICC title ended in heartbreak as they fell seven runs short against India in the 2024 T20 World Cup final at Kensington Oval. Despite being in control for most of the chase, the Proteas collapsed in the final moments, with David Miller’s dismissal in the last over sealing the game for the Men in Blue. Needing 16 off the last six balls, Miller was caught at the boundary-line by Suryakumar Yadav ending his innings and limiting South Africa’s chances. 

After the loss, Miller was consoled by his wife, Camilla Harris. The left-hander took it to his social media to express his grief. “Really tough pill to swallow after what transpired 2 days ago. Words don’t explain how I am feeling. One thing I do know is how proud I am of this unit,” Miller posted an Instagram story.

2. Irfan Pathan breaks down after India beat South Africa in T20WC:

Irfan Pathan. (Source – Twitter/X)

Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan broke down in tears during a live broadcast after India’s impressive win over South Africa in the T20 World Cup 2024 final in Barbados. The emotional moment came following a personal grief for the 40-year-old, who lost his hairstylist and close friend, Faiyaz Ansari, to a tragic drowning incident. Pathan, part of the Star Sports commentary team, returned to broadcasting for the final after a brief absence. Reflecting on the victory, he shared that the title win brought him relief during a time of distress.

“I am thankful to Jasprit Bumrah, thankful to Rohit Sharma, thankful to Hardik Pandya. Suryakumar Yadav, uska catch to mein poori zindagi nahi bhulunga (I won’t forget his catch my entire life). Even when I am taking my last few breaths, I will remember Suryakumar’s catch of David Miller, such a dangerous batsman. If that happened to be a six off the first ball (of the 20th over), then maybe the match would have slipped out (of India’s hands). The Indian team doesn’t know, you guys know. The last 10 days were very difficult for me. So these are not just tears of distress that has come into my life; these are also tears of joy. So, love you Team India, thank you so much,” Irfan said on Star Sports.

1. Ravichandran Ashwin’s sudden retirement: 

Ashwin and Kohli Emotional Speak (Photo: Bcci.tv)

One of India’s finest spinners, Ravichandran Ashwin announced his retirement from international cricket after the historic Brisbane Test. Accompanied by captain Rohit Sharma at the press conference, Ashwin revealed the shocking news. The two, shared a heartfelt hug before Ashwin exited to a standing ovation from the team.

In a video shared by the BCCI, Ashwin’s exit included receiving a signed Australian jersey from Nathan Lyon and Pat Cummins. In the Indian dressing room, he was welcomed warmly by teammates, including Virat Kohli and young talents like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill. The Indian players were visibly stunned by the decision and were emotional by the news.

“Even though I am not exhibiting it, it’s a truly emotional moment,” Ashwin began his speech in the dressing room. Honestly, it is easier to speak in the team huddle. Even though I am not exhibiting it, this is a very emotional moment. Thanks Rohit (Sharma), thanks Virat, thanks Gauti (Gambhir) bhai. I am so happy today,” Ashwin said.