The ICC World Cup is the biggest tournament in international cricket, where numerous countries compete against each other in thrilling matches. While bilateral series involve matches between two countries, the ICC World Cup tournament sees multiple nations vying for the title of 'World Champion'.
However, it's not always straightforward, as the tournament is sometimes affected by factors such as politics, security concerns, or ethical issues. In the past, some teams have boycotted crucial matches in the ICC World Cup, sparking heated debates throughout the cricketing world.
1. Pakistan vs India (T20 World Cup 2026)
Pakistan has boycotted its match against India in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. Significantly, Pakistan took this step in protest against Bangladesh's exclusion from the ICC tournament. The ICC had rejected Bangladesh's request to play its matches outside of India. Following this, Bangladesh decided not to participate in the tournament, and Scotland was included in its place. Pakistan, which had supported Bangladesh in this matter, refused to play against India in Colombo on February 15.
2. New Zealand vs Kenya (ODI WC 2003)
In the 2003 ODI World Cup, New Zealand refused to travel to Kenya, citing security concerns for their players. This was particularly significant because a bomb blast had occurred in Mombasa, Kenya, just a few months earlier. As a result, the Black Caps did not play their first-round match against Kenya, even though both teams were in Group B. Although they appealed to the International Cricket Council (ICC) to have the match relocated, the governing body awarded Kenya a walkover. This decision proved advantageous for Kenya, as it helped them advance to the Super Six round and ultimately reach the semi-finals of the tournament.
3. England vs Zimbabwe (ODI WC 2003)
South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Kenya co-hosted the 2003 ODI World Cup. In the first round, England and Zimbabwe were placed in the same group (Group A). Due to political differences between the United Kingdom and the Zimbabwean government, England refused to play their match against Zimbabwe, resulting in them forfeiting crucial points. They were eliminated from the tournament after the first round.
4. West Indies vs Sri Lanka (ODI WC 1996)
For security reasons, the West Indies also refused to travel to Sri Lanka for their group stage match in the 1996 ODI World Cup. Like Australia, they boycotted their match against Sri Lanka in the group stage and forfeited the points. Despite this incident, the Caribbean team managed to reach the quarter-finals of the tournament.
5. Australia vs Sri Lanka (ODI WC 1996)
India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka were the co-hosts of the 1996 ICC Cricket World Cup. Australia refused to travel to Sri Lanka, which was grappling with a civil war at the time. Following a bomb blast just two weeks before the tournament, Australia declined to play their group stage match in Sri Lanka. Consequently, the Australian team forfeited the points for that match. Ironically, Sri Lanka and Australia met again in the tournament final in Lahore, where the Sri Lankan team defeated Australia to win their first-ever One Day International World Cup title.
Also Read: Pakistan Takes Part in ICC T20 World Cup 2026 but Boycott to Play With India
Disclaimer
Possible11 is a sports news and analysis platform designed purely for entertainment and educational purposes. All match previews, player insights, and team analyses are based on publicly available information and expert opinions. We do not promote or support betting, gambling, or real-money gaming in any form. Users are encouraged to enjoy our content responsibly and use it for informational purposes only.
Give Your Feedback