Cricket stopping for unusual reasons isn't new at all!

On the third day of the Boxing Day Test match between Australia and Pakistan in December 2023, an unexpected delay occurred during the second session due to an unusual incident. Richard Illingworth, the third umpire, found himself stuck in a lift, leading to a comedic interruption in the proceedings!

This peculiar event is just one of several instances where cricket matches have been halted for reasons beyond the ordinary. Let's take a trip down memory lane and revisit some of the instances when peculiar circumstances disrupted cricket matches.

Third Umpire Stuck in Lift (Australia vs. Pakistan, 2023)

So, let's come back to the most recent incident that we started this piece with. It took place during the Boxing Day Test in 2023. After the lunch break, the scheduled resumption of play was delayed because the third umpire, Richard Illingworth, got stuck in a lift on his way back from the dining hall. Once the umpire was freed, the match resumed with the approval of the on-field umpire.

Luggage Delay (West Indies vs. India, 2022)

In 2022, during a T20I match between the West Indies and India in St. Kitts, the start of the game was delayed by three hours due to a logistical issue. The Indian team's luggage arrived late from Trinidad, causing an unusual delay in the commencement of play.

Car on the Ground (Delhi vs. Uttar Pradesh, 2017)

A shocking incident unfolded during a Ranji Trophy match between Delhi and Uttar Pradesh when a car entered the ground while the game was in progress. A lack of security at the ground's gate allowed the car to invade the field, putting players and officials at risk. The game was paused while the match referee assessed any potential damage to the pitch.

Too Harsh Sunlight (New Zealand vs. India, 2019)

In a rare instance, an ODI match between New Zealand and India faced interruption in Napier due to the bright setting sun. The rays directly interfered with the batsmen's vision, prompting the umpires to temporarily halt the match until the conditions improved.

Fog Stops Play (India vs. New Zealand, 2023)

Another interrupted match occurred in Dharamsala, India, during a group-stage encounter between India and New Zealand in the 2023 World Cup. Fog covered the stadium, reducing visibility and compelling the umpires to pause the game until the fog cleared.

Bees Invade the Ground (South Africa vs. Sri Lanka, 2017)

In Johannesburg, during an ODI match between South Africa and Sri Lanka, honeybees swarmed the ground, causing an hour-long interruption. Various attempts were made to disperse the bees, and eventually, a beekeeper was called in to capture them, allowing the game to resume.

Sandstorm (India vs. Australia, 1998)

An ODI match between India and Australia at Sharjah Cricket Stadium faced a brief halt due to a sandstorm. Four overs were lost in India's chase, and the target was revised. Despite the interruption, Sachin Tendulkar's legendary "Desert Storm" innings unfolded, making it one of the most memorable moments in cricket history.

Burnt Toast Sends Everyone into Panic (Queensland vs. New South Wales, 2017)

In a peculiar incident during a 2017 Sheffield Shield match between Queensland and New South Wales, a burnt toast triggered fire alarms, causing panic among players, officials, and spectators. Nathan Lyon's absent-minded toaster incident led to a temporary evacuation, with the match resuming after the Fire Brigade cleared the area.

These instances add a touch of the unexpected to the world of cricket, showcasing that even the most unusual circumstances can lead to momentary halts.