As India prepares to host the 2026 T20 World Cup, memories of the 1996 ODI World Cup resurface a tournament marked by controversy, solidarity and unforgettable moments. Australia and West Indies forfeited matches in Sri Lanka over security concerns, while Asian nations stood united in support of the hosts

Mohammed Azharuddin (left) and Wasim Akram, who figured in the joint India and Pakistan XI for an exhibition game against Sri Lanka in Colombo on February 13, 1996. Pic/mid-day archives

February 2026: India is preparing to host the T20 World Cup for the second time. In February 1996, a good 30 years ago, India was gearing up to play co-hosts to their ODI World Cup No.2 after 1987.

Bangladesh pulling out and Pakistan saying that they won’t play India in the group stage is a controversy that plays big on the mind of the average cricket fan. Back in 1996, it was the issue about Australia and West Indies forfeiting their matches in Sri Lanka on February 17 and February 25, respectively. The Australians and West Indians felt Sri Lanka was too dangerous to tour, following a bomb blast in Colombo on January 31 that killed 91 and injured 1400 people.

Zimbabwe, who were also scheduled to play a game in Sri Lanka, had no such qualms. England player-turned-writer Vic Marks quoted their manager Denis Streak (father of late all-rounder Heath) in the Observer as saying, “We come from a country which knows about war, and we’re not going to worry about a few bombs. You could get run over by a bus in the street.” Eventual World Cup 1996 winners Sri Lanka were declared winners by default in both those........

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