World timeline of sport 2000-2009

2000

May 24 - Former Pakistan captain Salim Malik is banned for life for match-fixing.

Several teammates, including the 1999 World Cup captain Wasim Akram, are censured.

Hansie Cronje and Mohammad Azharuddin, the former leaders of South Africa and India respectively, are also banned for life later in the year.

Sept 15-Oct 1 2000 - Cathy Freeman lights the Sydney Olympic flame in a symbol of reconciliation between Aboriginal Australians and the European settlers.

She goes on to win Australia's only track gold in the 400 metres.

Her teammate Ian Thorpe wins three Olympic golds and three silvers in the pool and American sprinter Marion Jones wins three golds and two bronzes in track and field.

In Image: 11 Apr 2000: Ngonde Balfour, Hansie Cronje, and Azia Pahad face the media during the Hansie Cronje Press Conference at the City Park Hospital, Capetown, South Africa.

Text: Reuters

Images: Getty

Sports Year-ender 2009