That's why the '96 format was weak, IMHO. With 8 strong cricketing nations it practically meant a bye for them to the quarters. We got there by beating the cricketing superpowers of Holland & The UAE. The last time we've got out of the groups stages, incidentally...
IIRC Australia chose to forefit their games due to take place in Sri Lanka due to some Tamil Tiger activity or other & still qualified comfortably.
It concerns me a bit the the porposed "Super 8" format for next year's tournament might mean the same thing happens unless, say, Bangladseh can spring a shock.