The year 2021 has neared its end. The world of sports saw quite a few great moments, while some of them were shocking. In the round-up, we present the stunning moments of the year.
It has been an incredible 2021 in the field of sports. While it has seen all the top and beautiful moments, some of them have also been shocking and controversial. As far as the shocks are concerned, they range from cricket to football to tennis. As the year comes to an end, we take a look at the shocking moments that stunned fans this year.
Indian Premier League bubble breach
The 2021 Indian Premier League (IPL) was being held in March-April. Halfway through the tournament, the bio-bubble of three teams (Chennai Super Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders and Sunrisers Hyderabad) were breached due to the coronavirus. As panic spread, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) decided to suspend the competition. Nonetheless, it was shifted to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in September, where it was completed safely, and CSK won it.
Barcelona fails to qualify for UEFA Champions League pre-quarters
Barcelona was unable to be eligible for the pre-quarters of the UCL this season after finishing third in its group table. Notably, it was its first season without its superstar footballer Lionel Messi. It is the first season since 2003-04 when Barca will be playing the competition without Messi. Notably, it has never won the tournament, reaching the semis in the 2000-01 edition.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi transfer
Ronaldo and Messi remain the greatest modern-day footballers to date. However, their transfers came as a shock. While Ronaldo quit Juventus after playing a game of the season, he was linked to Manchester City before joining his former club Manchester United. On the other hand, La Liga's new financial plans made it impossible for a debt-ridden Barcelona to afford Messi, who joined Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).
Sergio Aguero retirement
Aguero quit City after spending a decade and chose to play his final career stages in Barcelona. However, he suffered chest pain during a match and was diagnosed with heart problems. Consequently, after multiple health advice, he chose to retire from the sport at the age of 33.
Naomi Osaka, Simone Biles mental health break
The year was also rocked by numerous players taking a break due to mental health. Among the notable ones happen to Japanese tennis star Naomi Osaka and American gymnast Simone Biles. While Osaka pulled out of French Open and Wimbledon, she looked confused during the US Open following her early ouster. On the other hand, Biles was also under depression, leading her to pull out of numerous events during the Tokyo Olympics.
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New Zealand and England pull out of Pakistan tour
Pakistan was scheduled to host New Zealand and England in September and October, respectively. However, after NZ arrived for the tour in September, it alerted the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Pakistan government of a security threat just hours before the first One-Day International (ODI), leading to the entire tour being called off. Later, England also called off its trip for the same reason, as PCB suffered severe financial losses.
Tim Paine resigns as Test skipper
Paine was subject to a shock when it was reported that he had allegedly sexted a woman. It led to Paine resigning as the Australian Test skipper. Later, he also took a break, citing mental health issues on the same, thus missing the ongoing Ashes 2021-22.
Rafael Nadal ousted in French Open semis
Nadal happens to be the King of Clay and French Open. However, he was shockingly eliminated in the semis by reigning world number one and eventual winner Novak Djokovic of Serbia. Although it should not come as a shock, it does, considering Nadal's flawless record at Roland Garros, winning 13 record titles.
Peng Shuai sexual assault allegations
Chinese tennis star Shuai had alleged on social media that former vice-premier Zhang Gaoli had sexually assaulted her. However, she later deleted the post and went missing while China was numb about her whereabouts. She later clarified that it was never the case, while the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) was not entirely convinced by it, leading to suspending tournaments in the country.
Virat Kohli-BCCI saga
Kohli was stripped of Team India's ODI captaincy by the BCCI. Later, Kohli clarified that he was informed just one and half hours before the news was broken, while no discussions were held. It contradicted the earlier statement made by Sourav Ganguly that he never wanted Kohli to step down from Twenty20 International (T20I) captaincy.
WWE superstar releases for budget cuts
World Wrestling Entertainment had a turbulent year in terms of finances. Running in severe losses due to the pandemic, it released several superstars every two to three months. By December 9, a total of 54 superstars were released by the company, which happens to be its most to date.
Connor McGregor breaks his ankle
At UFC 264, McGregor was up against Dustin Poirier. However, the fight ended prematurely, with the latter winning it after the former's ankle snapped. Fans were left shocked, as they wanted a fair fight. While McGregor and Ultimate Fighting Championship President (UFC) president insisted on a rematch in the future, Poirier was against it. He declared himself the rivalry winner by a 2-1 margin.