1. India vs Pakistan (2026 T20 World Cup)
In a major ongoing controversy, the Pakistan government has approved its team to play in the 2026 T20 World Cup (hosted by India and Sri Lanka) but has strictly forbidden them from taking the field against India on February 15, 2026, in Colombo. This is a protest against the ICC’s refusal to relocate matches following Bangladesh’s withdrawal from the tournament.
2. England vs. Zimbabwe (2003 ODI World Cup)
England refused to travel to Harare to play Zimbabwe, citing both security concerns and “moral opposition” to the regime of Robert Mugabe. Despite the ICC’s refusal to move the game, England stood their ground and forfeited the points. This decision ultimately contributed to their early exit from the tournament.
3. New Zealand vs. Kenya (2003 ODI World Cup)
Citing security threats following a bombing in Mombasa, New Zealand refused to travel to Nairobi to play Kenya. The ICC awarded the points to Kenya. These “free points” were a massive factor in Kenya’s historic run to the semi-finals that year.
4. Australia vs. Sri Lanka (1996 ODI World Cup)
Just weeks before the tournament, a central bank bombing in Colombo raised severe security fears. Australia refused to travel to Sri Lanka for their group match. They forfeited the points, but in a twist of fate, the two teams met again in the final, where Sri Lanka defeated Australia to win their first title.
5. West Indies vs. Sri Lanka (1996 ODI World Cup)
Following Australia’s lead, the West Indies also boycotted their match in Colombo due to safety concerns. Like Australia, they forfeited the points to Sri Lanka. Despite this, the West Indies still managed to qualify for the knockout stages.
6. West Indies (1982 Women’s World Cup)
The West Indies withdrew from the entire tournament in protest against New Zealand hosting the South African rugby team during the apartheid era. This was a significant political statement that highlighted the intersection of sports and human rights.
7. Zimbabwe (2009 T20 World Cup)
Zimbabwe withdrew from the tournament held in England due to political pressure. The British government indicated it would not grant visas to the Zimbabwean team because of the political situation in the country. To avoid a total standoff, Zimbabwe agreed to “withdraw in the interest of the game,” and Scotland replaced them.
8. Australia (2016 Under-19 World Cup)
While not the senior team, Australia’s withdrawal from the U-19 World Cup in Bangladesh was a major event. They cited a “high threat level” to Australian interests in the country. Ireland was brought in as a replacement.
9. Bangladesh (2026 T20 World Cup)
In the lead-up to the current 2026 tournament, Bangladesh effectively withdrew after refusing to travel to India due to political and security tensions. They were replaced in the tournament by Scotland, which subsequently triggered the current Pakistan-India boycott crisis.
10. South Africa (Pre-1992 Boycott)
While not a single match boycott, South Africa was banned from the first four World Cups (1975–1987) due to the international boycott of the country over apartheid. Their return in 1992 remains one of the most emotional moments in cricket history.
