Italy created history by securing a spot in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup for the first time. The 2026 edition of the tournament
T20 World Cup
The T20 World Cup is the ICC’s flagship tournament for the shortest format of international cricket. Below you’ll find a complete overview—perfect for fans searching for up‑to‑date information on every era of the competition, from its 2007 launch to the 20‑team edition set for 2024 and beyond.
History
Background
The ICC created a T20 world championship to capitalise on the format’s instant popularity, offer Associate nations a global stage, and attract new audiences.
2007–2009: Initial years
- 2007 – South Africa hosted the inaugural event; India defeated Pakistan in a final that lit the fuse for T20’s global boom.
- 2009 – England staged the second edition; Pakistan claimed redemption by beating Sri Lanka at Lord’s.
2010: Transition to even years
To avoid overlapping with 50‑over World Cups, the ICC shifted the T20 World Cup to even‑numbered years. England lifted its maiden ICC trophy in the West Indies.
2014: Expansion to 16 teams
Bangladesh hosted; the field widened to 16 teams with an opening round for Associates. Sri Lanka won its first T20 crown, ending a run of final losses.
2018: Cancelled tournament and rebranding
A scheduled 2018 men’s event was scrapped as the ICC overhauled the calendar and unified branding: “ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.”
2020–2022: Impact of the COVID-19
- 2020 tournament in Australia was postponed.
- 2021 event moved to UAE/Oman—Australia secured its first T20 World Cup.
- 2022 finally staged in Australia; England became the first men’s side to hold ODI and T20 titles simultaneously.
2024: Expansion to 20 teams
USA & West Indies co‑host the first 20‑team edition, featuring a four‑group opening round, Super 8, semis and final.
2026: Neutral venue arrangements
India & Sri Lanka will co‑host; ICC plans reserve venues to mitigate weather risks after recent disruptions.
Hosts
| Year | Host(s) | Champion |
| 2007 | South Africa | India |
| 2009 | England | Pakistan |
| 2010 | West Indies | England |
| 2012 | Sri Lanka | West Indies |
| 2014 | Bangladesh | Sri Lanka |
| 2016 | India | West Indies |
| 2021 | UAE / Oman | Australia |
| 2022 | Australia | England |
| 2024 | USA / West Indies | TBA |
| 2026 | India / Sri Lanka | TBA |
Format
Qualification
- Automatic spots: Full Members plus top Associates from previous cycle
- Global Qualifiers: Two tournaments feed the remaining berths
Tournament
- Group Phase → Super Stage (Super 8 or Super 12) → Semi‑finals → Final
- Points for win (2), tie/NR (1), loss (0). NRR breaks ties.
Trophy
A sleek, silver column with slanted facets, symbolising power hitting and upward growth of the T20 format.
Attendance
Crowds have grown from 32,000 (2007 final) to 80,000‑plus (MCG, 2022). Record digital reach: 1 B+ video views in 2022.
Summary
Final results
| Team | Titles | Years Won |
| West Indies | 2 | 2012, 2016 |
| England | 2 | 2010, 2022 |
| India | 1 | 2007 |
| Pakistan | 1 | 2009 |
| Sri Lanka | 1 | 2014 |
| Australia | 1 | 2021 |
Team Performance (Win % overall)
- England – 63 %
- India – 60 %
- Pakistan – 59 %
- Australia – 57 %
- West Indies – 53 %
Records
Team records
- Highest Total: Sri Lanka 260/6 vs Kenya (2007)
- Lowest Total: Netherlands 39 vs Sri Lanka (2014)
Batting records
- Most Runs (overall): Virat Kohli – 1,141
- Highest Individual Score: Brendon McCullum – 123* vs Bangladesh (2012)
Bowling records
- Most Wickets (overall): Shakib Al Hasan – 47
- Best Figures: Ajantha Mendis – 6/8 vs Zimbabwe (2012)
Fielding records
- Most Catches: AB de Villiers – 23
- Most Dismissals (WK): MS Dhoni – 32