4 Instances when teams forfeited their World Cup matches

Here we look at the previous instances of teams forfeiting their World Cup matches.

By Sampath Bandarupalli

Updated - 18 Feb 2019, 14:26 IST

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2. England against Zimbabwe in 2003

England. (Photo by Tom Shaw/Getty Images)

England were placed in Group A during the 2003 World Cup alongside formidable teams in form of Australia, India and Pakistan. The battle for Super Sixers from this group was expected to be between the four sides leaving one of the three hosts Zimbabwe, Namibia and Netherlands. England were slated to play their first match in Harare against Zimbabwe.

England forfeited the game over moral, political and contractual aspects. The England team were clear about not touring Zimbabwe prior to the start of the tournament. The then British Prime Minister Tony Blair ordered his team not to play in Zimbabwe but wanted the organizers to switch the fixture to a different venue. As the game was unable to be shifted, England ended up conceding four points due to their walkover.

Ahead of their final league game against Pakistan, Zimbabwe were levelled on 12 points with England but behind on NRR. Pakistan were also in the race for a Super Sixers spot with 8 points but needed a big win to go past England’s NRR. Pakistan were 73/4 after 14 overs in the 38 over-a-side game before a complete washout. As a result, with 14 points in the kitty, Zimbabwe joined Australia and India in the next round from Group A thanks to a walkover given by England.

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