1. India vs Pakistan (2026 T20 World Cup)
The Pakistan government has allowed its Cricket team to participate in the 2026 T20 World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. However, they have prohibited the team from playing against India on February 15, 2026, in Colombo as a protest against the ICC’s decision not to change match locations after Bangladesh withdrew from the tournament.
2. England vs. Zimbabwe (2003 ODI World Cup)
England opted not to travel to Harare for a match against Zimbabwe, citing security issues and moral objections to Robert Mugabe’s regime. Despite the ICC’s refusal to reschedule, England forfeited the points, which contributed to their early exit from the tournament.
3. New Zealand vs. Kenya (2003 ODI World Cup)
New Zealand declined to travel to Nairobi after a bombing in Mombasa raised security concerns. Consequently, the ICC awarded the points to Kenya, helping them reach the semi-finals that year.
4. Australia vs. Sri Lanka (1996 ODI World Cup)
In light of a central bank bombing in Colombo, Australia refused to play their group match against Sri Lanka. They forfeited the points but later faced Sri Lanka again in the final, where Sri Lanka won their first title.
5. West Indies vs. Sri Lanka (1996 ODI World Cup)
Following Australia, the West Indies also boycotted their match in Colombo over safety concerns and forfeited the points to Sri Lanka. Despite this, they still advanced to the knockout stages.
6. West Indies (1982 Women’s World Cup)
The West Indies withdrew from the entire tournament to protest New Zealand hosting the South African rugby team during the apartheid era, making a significant political statement about sports and human rights.
7. Zimbabwe (2009 T20 World Cup)
Zimbabwe withdrew from the tournament in England due to political pressure. The UK government indicated it would not issue visas to the Zimbabwean team because of the domestic situation. To resolve the standoff, Zimbabwe agreed to withdraw, and Scotland took their place.
8. Australia (2016 Under-19 World Cup)
Australia’s withdrawal from the U-19 World Cup in Bangladesh was notable. They cited a “high threat level” to their interests in the country, leading to Ireland being brought in as a replacement.
9. Bangladesh (2026 T20 World Cup)
In the lead-up to the 2026 tournament, Bangladesh effectively withdrew by refusing to travel to India due to political and security issues. Scotland filled their spot, leading to the current Pakistan-India boycott situation.
10. South Africa (Pre-1992 Boycott)
South Africa was banned from the first four World Cups (1975-1987) due to the International boycott over apartheid. Their return in 1992 remains one of the most significant events in cricket history.