3 Most heartbreaking pictures in international cricket

Cricket is arguably the second-most popular sport in the world after football and is closing the gap rapidly as the ICC is taking the game to countries that have not been introduced to it.

The game has changed dramatically since its inception, but its promise to entertain has always been a constant. Cricket brings people across countries, caste, race, creed, religion and gender together as few other sports do and gives everyone a reason to smile and celebrate life.

However, in its centuries-old history, the game has also witnessed a few events that have caused immense grief to fans and players alike. Here's a look at three of the most heartbreaking moments in cricketing history:

#3 South Africa's 2015 ODI World Cup semifinal exit

Sport can be cruel sometimes. This line resonates well with every South African who has supported their cricket team at some stage in their lives. March 24, 2015, was one of those days when South Africa suffered agonising pain with a four-wicket loss in the first semifinal of the ODI World Cup.

Up against the co-hosts New Zealand in Auckland, South Africa posted 281 for the loss of five wickets. New Zealand were set a revised target of 298 in 43 overs due to a rain interruption.

While it seemed the Proteas had enough on the board, the Kiwis took flight and foiled South Africa's plans of a World Cup final berth. Dale Steyn couldn't defend 11 off the final over, and Grant Elliott sealed the chase with a six over long-on on the penultimate ball to put the dagger through the heart of the South Africans.

While the home crowd was ecstatic, the South African players collapsed to the ground, crestfallen. Morne Morkel was captured on camera, crying inconsolably, as yet another precious opportunity slipped away from their grasp.

#2 Steven Smith and David Warner break down in tears

Steven Smith and David Warner broke down in tears while apologising for engineering ball-tampering in the Cape Town Test of Australia's tour of South Africa in 2018.

"It was a failure of my leadership," said Smith at a news conference in Sydney.

"I am deeply sorry. I love the game of cricket, I love kids wanting to play the great game of cricket that I love.

"Any time you think about making a questionable decision, think about affecting your parents.

"To see the way my old man has been, and my mum, it hurts. I just want to say I'm sorry for the pain I have brought to Australia and the fans and the public."

Cricket Australia slapped Smith and Warner with one-year bans each.

#1 Phillip Hughes' tragic death

This has to go down as one of the most distressing events in the history of the sport. Phillip Hughes died at the tender age of 25 after he was struck at the back of his neck by a bouncer from Sean Abbott in a Sheffield Shield game between New South Wales and South Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG).

Hughes' funeral was held in his hometown of Macksville and was attended by his family, friends and then Australia captain Michael Clarke. The funeral ceremony was broadcast on Australian television and radio.