Sports can be an emotional rollercoaster. And for fans and players who live through all the excitement and disappointment that sports brings, controlling emotions can become a challenge. From time to time, we see celebrations that live a mark on the history of sports. Cricket is no different, the sport has seen some iconic and symbolic individual celebrations. It has also seen some of the most thoughtful ways of celebrating a win and keeping moments alive in memories forever. Here is a list of the three most iconic celebrations in the history of cricket.
3. West Indies’ ‘Gangnam style’ after winning 20-20 World Cup 2012
When it comes to celebrating the West Indians have often shown the world the correct way to do it. They are always on top of their creativity in doing something over the top to mark a special occasion. West Indians are almost always the liveliest and most exciting players on the pitch. Therefore, it was only natural that they marked their 2012 20-20 World Cup win uniquely.
West Indies have always been a team of T20 experts. The 2012 win was especially important because it was their first 20-20 World Cup. After defeating Sri Lanka convincingly, Gayle led the team in celebrating the iconic day in West Indies Cricket history with their signature ‘Gangnam style’ dance.
2. England urinates at the Oval, Ashes 2013
On number two, we have yet another weird yet iconic celebration that has become a part of the game’s history. Although a lot considered this celebration disgraceful to the game, the striking character of it makes it impossible to ever forget this day. A few hours after outplaying Australia in the coveted Ashes series, the England players including James Anderson, Stuart Board, and Kevin Pietersen came out on the pitch and took turns to urinate as their other teammates cheered them on.
Celebrations are definitely a part of the game, but, they should always be within the spirits of the game. On that fine afternoon at the Oval, England lost their head, over-pumped by a historic series victory. It is practically impossible to forget this celebration and will go down as one of the most iconic in the game’s history. Yet, one that must not be repeated.
1. Sourav Ganguly goes shirt-less at Lords, Natwest series, 2002
The prince of Kolkata, Sourav Ganguly has been one of the most animated personalities to have graced a cricket pitch as a player. His show of emotions added a different character to India’s cricket especially when he was captaining the side. One such moment, that remains the most legendary celebration in the history of cricket, came in the Natwest series of 2002 at the Mecca of Cricket, Lords.
India needed 326 to win the final against England, and Ganguly went out after scoring a quick-fire fifty as India struggled at 146-5. Two Indian youngsters, Mohammad Kaif and Yuvraj Singh came out unbeaten at 87 and 69 respectively bringing India the silverware. Ganguly watching the game from the iconic Lords’ balcony could not control his emotions as he took his shirt off and started swinging it out in the air creating the most iconic celebration the game had ever seen.