The 2026 ICC T20 World Cup is the biggest ever, but also probably the most politically charged, with off-field drama taking center stage amid the turmoil.The 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup will kick off between India and Sri Lanka on Saturday, marking a new chapter in a tournament that began 19 years ago. From its first edition in South Africa in 2007 to the event in the United States and Caribbean in 2024, the T20 World Cup continues to grow in size and scope.2026 will be the tenth edition of the Men’s T20 World Cup, scheduled to be held from February 7 to March 8. The inaugural tournament featured 12 teams. The competition has since expanded to include 20 teams from around the world.So far, six teams have won the championship. West Indies, England and defending champions India are the only teams to lift the trophy twice.
The origins of T20 cricket
T20 cricket emerged in the early 2000s with the aim of attracting new audiences to the sport. The format was first played at professional level in England in 2003 and quickly became popular in other countries.
2007 – South Africa
Final: India beats Pakistan by 5 runsThe first ICC Men’s T20 World Cup set the tone for the format. West Indies batsman Chris Gayle hit his first T20I century against South Africa, scoring four and scoring 117 runs off the first ball of the tournament.The game has several moments that have shaped its legend, including the knockout match between India and Pakistan, Yuvraj Singh’s six sixes in an over and Misbah-ul-Haq’s attempted tackle in the final over.In the final against Rangers, India scored 157 for 5 with Gautam Gambhir scoring 75 runs off 54 balls. Pakistan continued to chase before the Indian bowlers applied pressure. With six balls left in the last four balls and one wicket remaining, Misbah was caught by Sreesanth at short leg off Joginder Sharma to seal India’s victory.
2009 – England
Final: Pakistan beat Sri Lanka by 8 goalsThe Netherlands defeated England in Rhodes in the group stage, while Australia bowed out after losing two games. The final was held just months after the attack on the Sri Lankan team bus in Lahore.Sri Lanka were 32 for 4 and Kumar Sangakkara’s 64 took them to the target of 138 for 6. Pakistan chased down the target with Shahid Afridi hitting an unbeaten 54 and hitting the winner in the bye of the over.
2010 – Caribbean
Final: England beat Australia by 7 wicketsAfghanistan make their debut at the ICC’s major men’s event. Australia reached the final undefeated. Despite not winning in the first round, England qualified on the basis of net run rate.Australia were reduced to 147 for 6 after David Hussey’s 59. England chased down the target, with Craig Kieswetter shooting 63 and Kevin Pietersen 47 to seal a maiden world title.
2012 – Sri Lanka
Final: West Indies beat Sri Lanka by 36 runsBrendon McCullum scored 123 off 58 balls against Bangladesh, the highest individual score in the tournament’s history. In the final, Marlon Samuels’ 78 helped West Indies chase 137 for six.The bowling attack then restricted Sri Lanka with Sunil Narine taking 3 for 9. West Indies sealed the title in Colombo.
2014 – Bangladesh
Final: Sri Lanka beat India by 6 goalsThe Netherlands beat England in the Super Ten. Sri Lanka defeated West Indies in the rain-affected semi-final before chasing India down 130 for 4 in the final.Virat Kohli scored 77 points for India. Kumar Sangakkara’s unbeaten 52 led Sri Lanka to the target, the last time he and Mahela Jayawardene played a T20 match.
2016 – India
Final: West Indies beat England by 4 wicketsAfghanistan defeated West Indies by 123 runs in the group stage. West Indies later eliminated India in the semi-finals.England lost 155 for 9 in the final. With 19 needed in the final over, Carlos Brathwaite hit four consecutive sixes to secure the title.
2021 – United Arab Emirates
Final: Australia beat New Zealand by 8 pointsThe event was rescheduled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Pakistan defeated India for the first time in a men’s World Cup match.New Zealand posted 172 for four in the final, with Kane Williamson hitting 85. With contributions from David Warner and Mitch Marsh, Australia chased down the target and won their first T20 title.
2022 – Australia
Final: England beat Pakistan by 5 wicketsMany teams faced early elimination in the preliminaries. Despite two defeats, Pakistan reached the final. England defeated India in the semi-finals and restricted Pakistan to 137 runs in the final.Ben Stokes scored an unbeaten half-century to help England complete their chase.
2024 – United States and Caribbean
Final: India beat South Africa by 7 pointsThe tournament marked the first time the ICC World Cup was held in the United States. The United States defeated Canada and Pakistan in the group stage to advance to the Super Eights.Afghanistan defeated Australia to reach the semi-finals. India defeated South Africa in the final to complete their unbeaten run.
