Explore the top 10 game-changing off-field moments in sports of 2023, where powerful stories unfolded beyond the action. From groundbreaking social initiatives and influential player activism to major shifts in sports management, these moments reshaped the world of sports. This list highlights impactful decisions, unexpected challenges, and inspiring stories that changed athletes’ lives and left a lasting mark on fans worldwide. Discover how sports evolved off the field, showcasing the athletes’ influence beyond their game and the evolving dynamics of the sports industry. Dive into the year’s most memorable off-field moments that captivated the world.
10. Usman Khawaja was abused in the Lord’s Long Room during the Ashes
The second Test match of Ashes 2023 was played at Lord’s Stadium. During this match, England’s best player Johnny Bairstow became a victim of controversial stumping. Many England fans did not like this thing.
When the Australian team players were going back to the dressing room, the MCC people misbehaved with the Australian players in the long room. These people were then banned from entering the stadium.
9. Shaheen Shah Afridi gave a wonderful gift to Jasprit Bumrah’s little child
Pakistan fast bowler Shaheen Afridi presented a gift for the newborn son of Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah during the Asia Cup 2023. The people of both the countries loved the moment between these two players and praised it a lot.
8. Indian team’s fielding medal ceremony
The Indian team performed very well in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 and made it to the finals. However, they had to face defeat against Australia in the final. The performance of the Indian team was tremendous in this entire tournament.
During this tournament, Indian team’s fielding coach T Dilip had a special idea. He planned to give a medal to the best fielder of the Indian team in every match.
7. The match was interrupted because the third umpire got stuck in the lift
On the third day of the second Test match played between Australia and Pakistan, third umpire Richard Illingworth got stuck in the lift and this was the reason why the match was stopped for some time. This moment went viral on social media.
6. Mitchell Marsh posed for a photo with his feet on top of the World Cup trophy
Australia’s brilliant all-rounder Mitchell Marsh posed for a picture with his feet on top of this magnificent trophy in the dressing room after winning against India in the final of the ICC ODI World Cup 2023. This picture went viral on social media and many people also criticized it.
5. Hardik Pandya appointed captain of Mumbai Indians
Hardik Pandya was appointed the captain of the Mumbai Indians team before the Indian Premier League 2024 auction. Let us tell you, before the auction, Hardik Pandya was traded from Gujarat Titans to Mumbai Indians. After the trade, Hardik Pandya was appointed the captain of the team in place of Rohit Sharma by the Mumbai team.
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4. Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached the Indian dressing room after the World Cup final defeat
The Indian team had to face defeat against Australia in the final of the ICC ODI World Cup 2023. However, after the defeat, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached the team’s dressing room and gave a very good message to all the players.
3. Delhi court granted divorce to Shikhar Dhawan
Indian team opening batsman Shikhar Dhawan had sought divorce from his ex-wife Ayesha Dhawan in Delhi Court, which has been approved by the court.
2. Afghanistan Cricket Board bans players for preferring league cricket over playing for the country
The Afghanistan Cricket Board has banned Naveen Ul Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi and Mujeeb ur Rahman and has announced not to give NOC to these three for the next 2 years. Actually, many players are now paying more attention to franchise league cricket and are ending their central contract with the national team. This is the reason why the Afghanistan Cricket Board has taken this big decision.
1.Mitchell Starc broke all IPL records
In the IPL 2024 auction, Kolkata Knight Riders placed a big bid of Rs 24.75 crore on Mitchell Starc. Starc has now become the most expensive player in the IPL. Not only this, Pat Cummins has been included in the Sunrisers Hyderabad team for Rs 20.5 crore.
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