SA vs IND T20 Match Stopped Due to Flying Ants | A Look Back at Strange Stoppages in Cricket History

Cricket fans witnessed an unusual delay in the India vs. South Africa T20I match at Centurion when an unexpected swarm of flying ants forced players off the field. As South Africa chased India’s daunting total of 219, the flying ants, known for their seasonal nuptial flight, descended on the ground, swarming the pitch and hampering players' visibility and movement. The umpires called for a break as groundsmen attempted to clear the insects with a super sopper. This delay adds to the list of strange reasons that have halted cricket games over the years, from animal invasions to bizarre circumstances.

Flying Ants Force Players Off the Field in Centurion

The flying ants emerged shortly after the start of South Africa’s innings. Arshdeep Singh bowled a tight opening over, but Hardik Pandya’s chance to continue the momentum was interrupted as players became visibly uncomfortable. The swarm posed a risk of getting into players’ eyes, so the umpires, prioritizing player safety, ordered the teams to leave the field. The grounds staff used a super sopper in a bid to disperse the insects, leading to an unusual spectacle for fans.

Play suspended due to FLYING ANTS! ???????? pic.twitter.com/pfeQsgpwDW

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) November 13, 2024

This phenomenon, where flying ants take flight for mating, is common after warm, humid weather following rain, according to entomologists. Although rare on the cricket field, such insect interference isn’t unheard of, adding to cricket's long list of strange match stoppages.

A History of Strange Match Stoppages in Cricket

Cricket has a rich history of unexpected delays, with various unique factors contributing to unscheduled interruptions. Here’s a look back at some of the strangest reasons for delays on the cricket field:

1. Animal Invasions: Dogs, Bees, and Birds

• Dogs on the Field: Stray dogs are frequent disruptors in cricket stadiums, especially in the subcontinent. During a 2016 India vs. England Test match in Vizag, a stray dog interrupted play multiple times, evading attempts to capture it.
• Bee Swarms: Bee swarms have caused multiple cricketing interruptions, including during a Test between South Africa and Sri Lanka in 2017. Players and umpires had to lie flat on the ground to avoid stings as the bees passed over.
• Birds: In Australia, a seagull was famously hit by a cricket ball during an ODI in Perth in 1975. The bird was struck, causing a brief halt as the players cleared the field, highlighting the potential for feathered interruptions.

2. Bomb Threats and Security Concerns

• Bomb Scare in Chennai (1987): During the 1987 World Cup semifinal between India and England, police received a bomb threat, forcing players and spectators to evacuate the stadium. Although the threat was later deemed a hoax, it caused a significant delay.
• Suspicious Packages and Unattended Bags: In the modern era, cricket grounds are hyper-alert to unattended items. During the 2019 Ashes series in London, a suspicious package found outside the Lord’s stadium led to heightened security and a minor delay as officials investigated.

3. Food on the Pitch: The Gravy Incident

• Gravy Spill at The Oval: During a domestic match at The Oval in England, an enthusiastic fan accidentally spilled a large container of gravy near the boundary. The spill delayed the game as ground staff rushed to clean the mess, jokingly referred to by fans as "the great gravy incident." It added humor to the day, reminding fans that sometimes it's not just the players who leave a mark on the field.

4. Fans with Unusual Outfits or Objects

• Famous “Jarvo 69” Intrusions: In 2021, Daniel Jarvis, known as "Jarvo 69," repeatedly invaded the pitch during India’s tour of England, each time dressed as a different team member. His antics caused several delays as security staff escorted him off the field. Jarvo’s pitch invasions became internet sensations, adding an unusual comedic twist to the games.
• Superhero Fans and Unwieldy Costumes: During the T20 Big Bash League in Australia, a fan dressed as Batman in full costume accidentally fell over the boundary rope, delaying the match briefly as security staff assisted him.

5. Weather-Related Oddities

• Fog Delays: Cricket has seen many rain delays, but fog is an unexpected spoiler, especially in the colder months. In 2019, a match between India and Bangladesh in Delhi was marred by heavy smog, causing respiratory issues among players and necessitating medical breaks.
• Floodlights Failure: Power outages during day-night matches have halted play abruptly in several games, including during the 2007 World Cup when a match between Pakistan and Ireland was delayed due to a floodlight malfunction.

Match Resumes After Delay – But the Memory Remains

After a short break, the super sopper managed to clear most of the flying ants, allowing play to resume. South Africa, however, had their task cut out for them with a challenging required run rate of 11.21. India’s bowlers were able to capitalize on the delay’s disruption to the batting rhythm, building early pressure on South Africa’s lineup.

This memorable interruption is a testament to the unexpected charm of cricket, where nature, fans, and even unexpected animal visitors occasionally play their part in the game’s story. As strange stoppages become an indelible part of cricket lore, the flying ant incident will be remembered as another quirky chapter in cricket’s unpredictable saga.