Top 11 cricket series abandoned midway due to terrorist attacks

Over the years, there have been several instances when tournaments, series, and matches had to be called off due to the involvement of terror attacks. While many look forward to watching some good cricket, these unprecedented events have led the game to witness its darkest days. Cricketing bodies go over their powers to provide the bestest of security arrangements, but these events become unavoidable, resulting in the suspension and cancellation of the cricket series. 

Here are instances when cricket series had to be abandoned midway due to terrorist attacks:

February 1996

During the 1996 Cricket World Cup, Australia and the West Indies refused to travel to Colombo, citing security concerns after a bombing at the Central Bank in Colombo that killed 91 people and injured 1400. Despite Sri Lanka and ICC promising top-level security, both teams opted to forfeit their matches, handing Sri Lanka four points and a virtual quarter-final spot. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka’s board fought back diplomatically, rejecting shared points and winning full forfeits via ICC vote. However, the home team went on to lift their maiden World Cup title.

May 2002

New Zealand cancelled their tour of Pakistan midway after a deadly bomb blast near the team’s hotel in Karachi killed several people. The explosion occurred outside the Pearl Continental Hotel, where both teams were staying, just before they were to leave for the first day of the second Test. While no player was seriously injured, New Zealand physio Dayle Shackel sustained a minor cut. Match Referee Mike Procter announced the tour’s cancellation after consultations between both boards. The blast was targeted at French naval technicians, not the cricket teams. 

February 2003

During the 2003 ODI World Cup, England and New Zealand both forfeited matches due to security concerns. England refused to play in Harare against Zimbabwe, citing safety fears and political tensions, especially after British PM Tony Blair’s objections. Zimbabwe were awarded full points, which later helped them qualify for the Super Sixes, while England were knocked out. Similarly, New Zealand declined to play in Nairobi, fearing terrorist threats in Kenya. Their walkover handed Kenya four points, guiding the hosts to a semi-final appearance. 

July 2006

The tri-series between India, South Africa, and Sri Lanka was cancelled after the Proteas withdrew due to security fears following bomb blasts linked to the Sri Lankan terror outfit LTTE. An ICC-appointed independent security report termed the risk unacceptable, leading the African team to exit. Although no direct threat was found, Cricket South Africa cited the inability of local authorities to guarantee player safety. India, however, chose to stay after assurances from the Indian High Commission. A match between India and Sri Lanka was abandoned due to wet conditions, but efforts were underway to convert the remaining fixtures into a bilateral series. 

April 2008

Australia cancelled its tour of Pakistan due to security fears following terrorist attacks in Islamabad. The decision was taken after discussions with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the ICC. Australia was scheduled to arrive on March 29 for three Tests and five ODIs, but Cricket Australia CEO James Sutherland revealed that player safety could not be compromised. The PCB rejected a proposal to host the series at a neutral venue, opting instead to postpone. At that time, Australia had last toured Pakistan in 1998. The subsequent series in 2002 was also moved due to unrest. 

September 2008

The ICC postponed the Champions Trophy, which was originally set to be hosted in Pakistan in 2009, due to security fears. Five of the eight participating nations, including Australia, England, New Zealand, South Africa, and the West Indies, refused to tour, citing terrorism concerns. Pakistan initially retained the rights to host, but a final call was expected to be made later. Sri Lanka, which was being considered the alternate venue, was opposed after India and Pakistan refused relocation. Eventually, the tournament was cancelled, with the next edition played in South Africa.

November 2008

The inaugural Champions League T20, founded by BCCI, Cricket Australia, and Cricket South Africa, was scheduled to begin on December 3, 2008, in Mumbai. However, the tournament was cancelled following the horrific terrorist attacks in the city on November 26, resulting in many dead and injured. With matches scheduled at locations like the Brabourne Stadium and teams set to stay at the attacked Taj Mahal Hotel, security concerns led to the suspensions, with many teams refraining from traveling. Then, Champions League chairman Lalit Modi confirmed that the decision to postpone was made after consultations with all stakeholders. The first edition of the tournament was eventually held in 2009.

November 2008

England decided to return home after the horrific Mumbai terror attacks on November 26, 2008, which killed over 100 people. At the time of the attack, they were playing an ODI in Cuttack, and the last two matches of the series were cancelled. With safety a concern, England's tour was suspended midway. However, after consultations with security officials and cricket boards, the ECB agreed to resume the Test leg. The venues were changed from Mumbai and Ahmedabad to Chennai and Mohali. England returned under tight security and was warmly welcomed. India won 1-0, with the Chennai Test going ahead as scheduled on December 11. 

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March 2009

On March 3, 2009, the Sri Lankan cricket team's bus was attacked by terrorists near Liberty Roundabout, Lahore, while heading to the Gaddafi Stadium for the third day of the second Test match. 12 gunmen opened fire, killing six Pakistani security personnel and two civilians. Players like Mahela Jayawardene, Kumar Sangakkara, and Thilan Samaraweera sustained injuries, and Samaraweera and Tharanga Paranavitana were hospitalized. A van carrying match officials was also hit, seriously injuring umpire Ahsan Raza. The brutal assault ended Pakistan’s hopes of hosting the 2011 World Cup and isolated it from international cricket. The Lahore Test was cancelled, and the visitors were immediately sent back home.

March 2019

The Bangladesh cricket team narrowly escaped a deadly mosque shooting in Christchurch on March 15, 2019, triggering the cancellation of the third Test against New Zealand. The attack at Masjid Al Noor claimed 49 lives. The Bangladeshi players who were arriving to offer their Friday prayers were just moments away from entering the mosque when the shooting began, and they returned to their hotel. The ICC supported the decision to cancel the match, and Bangladesh flew home the next day. 

May 2025

The BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) suspended IPL 2025 for one week following the tense border tensions between India and Pakistan after the terrorist attack in Pahalgam two weeks before. The decision was made after a high-level meeting involving Secretary Devajit Saikia and IPL chairman Arun Dhumal. Franchises were informed, and travel plans for players are underway. The incident took place after the mid-match abandonment between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals in Dharamsala on May 8 due to air raid alerts nearby.

With 12 league games and four playoffs remaining, the IPL is looking for a resumption as soon as it becomes feasible. Relocating the tournament abroad is also being considered. As of now, the league has been paused for safety reasons, with no confirmed restart date.