Zimbabwe Considering Boycott of T20 World Cup 2026 Over Sikandar Raza’s Visa Issues

Zimbabwe's participation in the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026 is under threat due to ongoing visa issues faced by captain Sikandar Raza. The all-rounder has reportedly been denied an Indian visa multiple times, creating a dilemma for Zimbabwe Cricket as the tournament approaches. This has sparked speculations about a possible boycott, although no official confirmation has been made by Zimbabwe Cricket or the ICC.

Sikandar Raza, who was born in Sialkot, Pakistan, and holds a Pakistani passport, has previously been allowed to travel to India for tournaments like the IPL, but the ongoing diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan have complicated matters. Despite this, Raza has been a key player for Zimbabwe and led the team with distinction in T20 formats. He is currently featuring in the SA20 league, and this World Cup could be his last appearance at the international level.

Reports suggest that Zimbabwe’s fixtures in Group B are scheduled in Sri Lanka, but Indian visas would be required should they progress to the knockout stages, which are set to take place in India. While rumors of a boycott have circulated, senior Zimbabwean journalist Adam Theo has debunked these claims, emphasizing that no such decision has been officially made.

Zimbabwe’s group-stage matches include encounters against Oman, Australia, Ireland, and Sri Lanka, with the team hoping to secure a spot in the next phase despite the ongoing visa challenges.