Amid unprecedented transformation in world cricket, Govt. Pakistan Officially announced on February 1, 2026 to boycott high-profile 2026 T20 World Cup conflict India. Although the team has been cleared to participate in the remaining games Sri Lankathey were strictly ordered “not to take the field” for the match in Colombo on February 15. The move was seen as a protest against the withdrawal of the International Criminal Court Bangladesh Since the beginning of the game, it has been promoted “The mother of all battles” Diplomacy is in a complete freeze.

Pakistan-India boycott 2026 T20 World Cup

Standoff begins after ICC replacement Bangladesh and Scotland January 2026. Bangladesh refused to hold the match in India due to security concerns, while Pakistan, in solidarity, decided to boycott the Indian match.

• instruction: The official statement from the Government of Pakistan on X (formerly Twitter) is as follows: “The Pakistan cricket team will not be allowed to participate in the match against India scheduled for February 15, 2026.”
• Penalty: India will automatically win (2 points), while Pakistan could face expulsion from the tournament and withholding their $34.5 million ICC revenue share.

Also read: T20 World Cup 2026: Ricky Ponting’s top run scorer and player of the tournament

Teams that have given up on ICC tournament World Cup matches

When a team boycotts a World Cup match, it’s a rare but tournament-changing event. Here are the four main situations when a team refuses to play:

1. Australia vs Sri Lanka (1996 ODI World Cup)

The incident comes just weeks after the LTTE’s devastating central bank bombing in Colombo, Australia Point out “unacceptable” security risks. Despite the assurances of the International Criminal Court and the joint India-Pakistan team Sri LankaAustralians refuse to travel.

• Influence: The match was abandoned; Sri Lanka scored 2 points without a contest.

2. West Indies vs Sri Lanka (1996 ODI World Cup)

reflect Australia’s position west indies Travel to Colombo was also refused due to the same security concerns. The “safety first” approach of the big teams has inadvertently fueled Sri Lanka’s momentum.

• Influence: Sri Lanka’s second victory over their rivals helped them reach the quarter-finals and ultimately win the World Cup.

3. England vs Zimbabwe (2003 ODI World Cup)

In a highly politicized boycott, England Refuse to play in Harare, Zimbabwe. While the official reason was “security”, the move was driven by UK government protests over the UK’s human rights record. Robert Mugabe regime.

• Influence: Zimbabwe secured the points, a defeat that led to England’s humiliating early exit from the World Cup.

4. New Zealand vs Kenya (2003 ODI World Cup)

New Zealand Refuse to go to Nairobi, Kenyaafter receiving specific intelligence regarding a potential terrorist threat. Their request to change the venue to South Africa was rejected by the ICC.

• Influence: Kenya won comfortably. These “free points” were the main catalyst for Kenya to become the first (and only) non-Test nation to reach the World Cup semi-finals.

Summary table: World Cup forfeitures

Watch also: Mitchell Marsh breaks silence on Pakistan’s boycott of India matches and Bangladesh’s withdrawal from 2026 T20 World Cup