IPL 2021 has been suspended because of the worsening COVID-19 situation in India. The BCCI will look into when the remaining portion of the tournament can be completed and where. However, there have been a few instances in cricket history where matches have been stopped midway and could never be completed. Here, we look at three such games.
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka, Lahore, 2009
On what was an unfortunate and terrifying day for cricket, terrorists attacked the Sri Lankan team bus on its way to the Gaddafi stadium in Lahore. After a drawn first test, both Pakistan and Sri Lanka were looking for a win in this game and the two-match series.
The Sri Lankan team bus was on its way to the ground on the third morning of the game when this attack happened. A few players suffered injuries, but luckily each one of them survived. The Sri Lankan team immediately left the country. The game was deemed a draw, and the tour was called off.
Pakistan vs England, The Oval, 2006
This is the only match in the history of test cricket where a side forfeited the game. This happened when on the fourth day of the match, umpire Darrell Hair awarded five penalty runs to England on account of alleged ball-tampering by Pakistan.
Pakistan refused to come out to play after tea. After waiting for around 20 minutes, the umpires awarded the match to England. Pakistan did agree to play after about an hour after being convinced by the match referee. Still, the umpires stuck with their decision, and the match was not restarted.
Pakistan vs India, Sialkot, 1984
India were playing Pakistan in the second of 3 ODIs in Sialkot. Pakistan had won the first match and were looking to seal the series in this game itself. India were in a good position batting first, with the score at 210/3 after 40 overs and Dilip Vengsarkar playing on 94.
However, this is when the news about the assassination of India’s then Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi, broke out. The match was stopped there itself and was declared a draw. The rest of the tour was also called off.
