The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, originally known as the ICC World Twenty20, is an international cricket tournament that has evolved significantly since its inception.
This event marked a shift in the cricket world towards a shorter, more dynamic format, aiming to appeal to a broader, younger audience.
Its history, beginning with the first official Twenty20 matches in 2003, showcases the gradual expansion and increasing popularity of this format in the cricketing world.
This article provides an overview of the tournament’s history, format, key changes, notable editions, and the evolution of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
Summary & Key Takeaways
ShowICC Men's T20 World Cup History and Format
- Origins and Inception
- Emerged as a response to declining popularity of longer cricket formats.
- First proposed by Stuart Robertson of the ECB in 2001.
- Inaugural Twenty20 matches played in 2003 between English counties.
- Inaugural Edition (2007)
- First tournament held in South Africa.
- India defeated Pakistan in the final.
- Expansion
- Expanded to 16 teams in 2014, Sri Lanka won.
- Set to expand to 20 teams by 2024.
- Format
- Host selected by ICC based on various factors.
- Qualification involves automatic entries and global qualifiers.
- Tournament stages include Qualifying Stage, Super 12, and semi-finals.
- Format evolved over time, reflecting the growing popularity of T20 cricket.
- Trophy
- Designed by Minale Bryce Design Strategy in 2007.
- Manufactured initially by Amit Pabuwal, later by Links of London and Thomas Lyte.
- Made from silver and rhodium, weighing 12 kg and standing 57.15 cm tall.
- Venues
- Hosted in various countries with a balance between iconic grounds and modern stadiums.
- Notable venues include Bellerive Oval, Melbourne Cricket Ground, Wankhede Stadium, Perth Stadium, and Lord's Cricket Ground.
- List of Winners (2007 - 2022)
- India (2007), Pakistan (2009), England (2010), West Indies (2012, 2016), Sri Lanka (2014), Australia (2021), England (2022).
- Records
- Team, result, batting, and bowling records in T20 World Cups.
ICC Women's T20 World Cup Overview
- History and Major Tournaments
- First held in 2009, biennial event.
- Winners include England (2009), Australia (2010, 2012, 2014, 2018, 2020), West Indies (2016).
- Australia most successful team in the tournament's history.
- 2024 Edition
- Hosted by Bangladesh.
- Direct qualifiers based on 2023 tournament and ICC Women's T20I Team Rankings.
- Two additional teams from Global Qualifier.
ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 Preview
- Venues
- Co-hosted by West Indies and the USA.
- Matches in Dallas, Miami, New York, Barbados, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent, and Trinidad and Tobago.
- Format and Qualification
- 20 teams, new format with four groups of five.
- Top eight teams from 2022, plus hosts and other qualifiers.
- Schedule
- Tournament to take place from June 4 to June 30, 2024.
- Official schedule yet to be released.
History of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup
The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, initially known as ICC World Twenty20, emerged as a response to the declining popularity of longer cricket formats.
After the end of the Benson & Hedges Cup in 2002, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) sought to introduce a shorter, more exciting format to attract a younger audience.
In 2001, the ECB’s marketing manager Stuart Robertson proposed a 20-over per innings game, which was subsequently adopted with an 11–7 vote by county chairmen.
The first official Twenty20 matches took place in 2003 between English counties.
The format quickly gained popularity, leading to the adoption of Twenty20 matches by other cricket boards and the creation of new domestic tournaments.
Inaugural Edition
The inaugural ICC T20 World Cup took place in 2007 in South Africa, in Wanderers stadium. It was decided that the tournament would be held every two years.
It happen except if it coincided with the Cricket World Cup, in which case it would be scheduled for the previous year.
The first tournament saw India defeat Pakistan in a thrilling final. Two Associate teams, Kenya and Scotland, qualified via the 2007 ICC World Cricket League Division One.
The success of the inaugural event set the stage for the tournament’s growth and popularity.
Expansion to 16 Teams
The 2014 edition of the ICC T20 World Cup marked the expansion to 16 teams. This expansion included teams making their debuts and increased the global reach and competitiveness of the tournament.
Sri Lanka, having made it to the finals in previous editions, finally clinched the title, demonstrating the growing competitiveness of the tournament.
Expansion to 20 Teams
By 2024, the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup is set to expand further, featuring 20 teams.
This expansion is indicative of the tournament’s growing global appeal and the increasing number of cricket-playing nations capable of competing at the highest level in the T20 format.
Throughout its history, the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup has provided a platform for some of the most exciting and competitive cricket, with various nations having the honor of winning the title.
England and the West Indies have been particularly successful, each winning two titles as of 2022.
Format of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup
Throughout its history, the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup has provided a platform for some of the most exciting and competitive cricket, with various nations having the honor of winning the title. This prestigious tournament was held in several changes through times.
Host Selection
The host nation for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup is selected by the International Cricket Council (ICC).
This selection is typically based on various factors including cricketing infrastructure, popularity of the sport in the country, and logistical considerations.
Qualification
The qualification process for the T20 World Cup involves both automatic qualifications and a series of global qualifiers.
The host nation automatically qualifies for the tournament. The top teams from the previous T20 World Cup also gain automatic entry.
The remaining places are filled through global qualifiers, which include the lowest-ranked teams from the previous T20 World Cup and the highest-ranked teams not already qualified.
Additionally, teams from regional qualifiers compete for a spot in the global qualifiers.
For example, in the 2022 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, the qualification process included the host nation Australia, the top 11 teams from the 2021 T20 World Cup, and four teams from the global qualifiers.
The global qualifiers comprised the four lowest-ranked teams from the 2021 T20 World Cup, the next four highest ranked T20I sides, and eight teams that progressed from regional finals.
Final Tournament
The final tournament of the T20 World Cup consists of several stages. Initially, there is a Qualifying Stage (Round 1), where teams are divided into groups.
Each team plays against the other teams in their group, and the top teams based on wins or points progress to the next stage, the Super 12.
The Super 12 stage also features groups, and teams play against each other within these groups. The top teams from each group in the Super 12 then advance to the semi-finals.
T20 World Cup Point Table Calculation
In the T20 World Cup, the point calculation system is straightforward. Here are the key points:
- A team earns 2 points for a win.
- In the case of a game being abandoned, tied, or ending as ‘No Result’, each team receives 1 point.
- A team receives 0 points in the event of a loss.
These rules apply to both the Round 1 and Super 12 stages of the tournament.
The standings on the points table determine which teams proceed to the next stage of the competition and which are eliminated after Round 1 and the Super 12 stage.
For tie-breaking scenarios, several factors are considered, such as the number of wins in the group, net run rate, head-to-head results in the group, and seeding in the group.
This is to ensure a fair and decisive outcome in cases where teams are locked on points.
Historical Performances Point Tables
After the first series of the ICC T20 World Cup 2007, numerous teams have been mark a significant achievement in cricket history. Here are the historical T20 World Cup points table through years:
| Team |
Appearances |
Best Result |
Total |
First |
Latest |
Played |
Won |
Lost |
Tie |
| England |
8 |
2007 |
2022 |
Champions (2010, 2022) |
44 |
24 |
19 |
0 |
1 |
| West Indies |
8 |
2007 |
2022 |
Champions (2012, 2016) |
39 |
19 |
18 |
1(1) |
1 |
| India |
8 |
2007 |
2022 |
Champions (2007) |
44 |
27 |
15 |
1(1) |
1 |
| Australia |
8 |
2007 |
2022 |
Champions (2021) |
40 |
25 |
15 |
0 |
0 |
| Sri Lanka |
8 |
2007 |
2022 |
Champions (2014) |
51 |
31 |
19 |
1(1) |
0 |
| Pakistan |
8 |
2007 |
2022 |
Champions (2009) |
47 |
28 |
18 |
1(0) |
0 |
| New Zealand |
8 |
2007 |
2022 |
Runners-up (2021) |
42 |
23 |
17 |
2(0) |
0 |
| South Africa |
8 |
2007 |
2022 |
Semi-finals (2009, 2014) |
40 |
24 |
15 |
0 |
1 |
| Ireland |
7 |
2009 |
2022 |
Super 8s (2009) |
25 |
7 |
15 |
0 |
3 |
| Bangladesh |
8 |
2007 |
2022 |
Super 8s (2007) |
38 |
9 |
28 |
0 |
1 |
| Netherlands |
5 |
2009 |
2022 |
Super 10s (2014) |
23 |
9 |
13 |
0 |
1 |
| Afghanistan |
6 |
2010 |
2022 |
Super 10s (2016) |
22 |
7 |
15 |
0 |
0 |
| Zimbabwe |
6 |
2007 |
2022 |
Super 12s (2022) |
20 |
8 |
11 |
0 |
1 |
| Namibia |
2 |
2021 |
2022 |
Super 12s (2021) |
11 |
4 |
7 |
0 |
0 |
| Scotland |
5 |
2007 |
2022 |
Super 12s (2021) |
18 |
5 |
12 |
0 |
1 |
| Oman |
2 |
2016 |
2021 |
First round (2016, 2021) |
6 |
2 |
3 |
0 |
1 |
| Hong Kong |
2 |
2014 |
2016 |
First round (2014, 2016) |
6 |
1 |
5 |
0 |
0 |
| United Arab Emirates |
2 |
2014 |
2022 |
First round (2014, 2022) |
6 |
1 |
5 |
0 |
0 |
| Nepal |
1 |
2014 |
2014 |
First round (2014) |
3 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
| Kenya |
1 |
2007 |
2007 |
First round (2007) |
2 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
| Papua New Guinea |
1 |
2021 |
2021 |
First round (2021) |
3 |
0 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
Change Over Time
The format of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup has evolved over time. Initially, fewer teams participated in the tournament, but with the growing popularity of T20 cricket, more teams have been included.
This expansion reflects the increasing global reach of cricket and the rising number of countries capable of competing at a high level in the T20 format.
For instance, the 2024 edition of the tournament is set to feature 20 teams, divided into four groups of five in the first round, followed by a Super Eights phase.
Trophy of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup
The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Trophy was initially designed in 2007 by Minale Bryce Design Strategy, based in Queensland, Australia.
Its design embodies the dynamism of Twenty20 cricket, symbolizing the motion of the ball being hit to the boundary and the actions of fielders returning it.
The Creator of T20 World Cup Trophy
Originally manufactured by Amit Pabuwal in India, the manufacturing later shifted to Links of London. In 2021, Thomas Lyte became the official manufacturer of the trophy.
Specification
The trophy is crafted from silver and rhodium. It weighs approximately 12 kg and stands 57.15 cm tall, with a width of 16.5 cm at its widest point, tapering to 13.97 cm at the base.
Numerous Venue in T20 World Cup History
The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup has been hosted in various countries, with the venues chosen based on their capacity, facilities, and cricketing history.
The selection of venues often reflects a balance between iconic cricket grounds and modern, technologically advanced stadiums.
1. Smallest Venue in T20 World Cup History
Bellerive Oval in Hobart, Australia, is one of the smaller venues used in T20 World Cup history. It can host up to 20,000 people and is known for high-scoring affairs.
The pitch at Bellerive Oval generally favors batting, making it ideal for the T20 format.
2. Largest Venue in T20 World Cup History
The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in Melbourne, Australia, stands out as the largest venue.
With a capacity to host more than 100,000 fans, it is the 10th biggest stadium in the world and the largest in the Southern Hemisphere.
The MCG is known for offering a balanced pitch that caters well to both batsmen and bowlers.
3. Iconic India Venue in T20 World Cup History
Although the T20 World Cup has been hosted in various Indian venues, notable among them is the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
Known for its rich cricket history and enthusiastic crowd, it has been a significant venue in world cricket, including T20 World Cups.
4. Tech-Advanced Venue in T20 World Cup History
Perth Stadium in Perth, Australia, is a modern, technology-advanced venue. Officially opened in 2018, it has hosted multiple international matches and can accommodate up to 60,000 fans.
The stadium is known for its high-tech facilities and a pitch that often aids high-scoring games.
5. Legendary Venue in T20 World Cup History
The Lord’s Cricket Ground in London, UK, is a legendary venue in the history of cricket, including the T20 World Cup.
Known as “The Home of Cricket,” Lord’s has hosted numerous memorable matches and is revered for its rich history and tradition in the sport.
Final Matches and List of T20 World Cup Winners (2007 – 2022)
Each of final matches and T20 World Cups winner has contributed to the evolving landscape of T20 cricket, bringing new stars to the fore and providing unforgettable moments that have enriched the sport’s history. Here are the T20 World Cup winners list:
| Year |
Host(s) |
Final Venue |
Winner |
Runners-up |
Margin |
Teams |
| 2007 |
South Africa |
Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg |
India |
Pakistan |
5 runs |
12 |
| 2009 |
England |
Lord’s, London |
Pakistan |
Sri Lanka |
8 wickets |
12 |
| 2010 |
West Indies |
Kensington Oval, Bridgetown |
England |
Australia |
7 wickets |
12 |
| 2012 |
Sri Lanka |
R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo |
West Indies |
Sri Lanka |
36 runs |
12 |
| 2014 |
Bangladesh |
Sher-e-Bangla Stadium, Dhaka |
Sri Lanka |
India |
6 wickets |
16 |
| 2016 |
India |
Eden Gardens, Kolkata |
West Indies |
England |
4 wickets |
16 |
| 2021 |
UAE & Oman |
Dubai International Stadium |
Australia |
New Zealand |
8 wickets |
16 |
| 2022 |
Australia |
Melbourne Cricket Ground |
England |
Pakistan |
5 wickets |
16 |
T20 World Cup 2007 – India
The inaugural ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in 2007, hosted in South Africa, saw India emerging as the champions.
The final, a nail-biting encounter between India and Pakistan, was held at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg.
A historical moment appear, when team India, who’s led by MS Dhoni sealing India’s victory, after successfully caught Misbah-ul-Haq attempt to scoop, in the final over.
This tournament also witnessed Yuvraj Singh’s iconic six sixes in an over against England.
T20 World Cup 2009 – Pakistan
In 2009, the tournament moved to England, with the final played at the historic Lord’s Cricket Ground in London. Pakistan, having lost the final in the previous edition, emerged victorious against Sri Lanka.
Shahid Afridi’s all-round performance was a key highlight, helping Pakistan clinch the title with a solid batting and bowling display.
T20 World Cup 2010 – England
The 2010 edition saw England clinch their first major limited-overs trophy. Hosted in the West Indies, England and Australia faced off in the final.
England’s comprehensive victory was marked by exceptional performances, overturning their initial loss in the tournament to emerge as champions.
T20 World Cup 2012 – West Indies
Sri Lanka hosted the 2012 T20 World Cup, with the final played in Colombo. The West Indies, known for their flair and power-hitting, won the tournament by defeating the host nation, Sri Lanka.
Marlon Samuels’ remarkable batting performance under pressure was a standout moment in the final.
T20 World Cup 2014 – Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka, after losing in two previous finals, finally lifted the trophy in 2014. The tournament was held in Bangladesh, with Sri Lanka defeating India in the final.
The victory was a fitting farewell for two of Sri Lanka’s greatest cricketers, Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene.
T20 World Cup 2016 – West Indies
In 2016, the tournament returned to India. The final, held at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, saw a thrilling match between England and the West Indies.
The West Indies, led by a sensational last-over hitting spree by Carlos Brathwaite, won their second T20 World Cup, making them the first team to win the tournament twice.
T20 World Cup 2021 – Australia
The 2021 edition, initially scheduled to be held in India, was shifted to the UAE and Oman. Australia emerged as champions by defeating New Zealand in the final.
This victory marked Australia’s first T20 World Cup win, a significant achievement for a nation with a rich cricketing history.
T20 World Cup 2022 – England
The 2022 T20 World Cup, hosted by Australia, saw England clinch their second title. England, known for their aggressive and innovative approach to the T20 format, continued to assert their dominance in white-ball cricket with this win.
List of T20 World Cup Records
From time to time, many legends and remarkable moments occur in the T20 World Cup, along with numerous records being broken in each series. Here are some of the records that have been created:
Team Records
- Most Consecutive Wins: Malaysia and Bermuda have recorded the highest number of consecutive wins, with 13 each.
- Most Consecutive Matches Without Victory: Zimbabwe and Singapore have experienced the longest streaks without a win, with 16 winless matches each.
Result Records
- Highest Margin of Victory (by Runs): Nepal holds the record for the highest margin of victory by runs, defeating Mongolia by 273 runs.
- Highest Margin of Victory (by Balls Remaining): Spain achieved the highest margin of victory by balls remaining, beating the Isle of Man with 118 balls to spare.
- Highest Margin of Victory (by Wickets): As of December 2023, 51 matches have been won by a margin of 10 wickets.
- Smallest Margin of Victory: The smallest margins of victory include wins by 1 run, 1 wicket, and victories on the last ball of the match.
Individual Records (Batting)
- Leading Run Scorer: Virat Kohli is the leading run scorer in T20 Internationals, with 4,008 runs.
Individual Records (Bowling)
- Leading Wicket Taker: Tim Southee leads in wickets taken in T20 Internationals, with 144 wickets.
Individual Records (Others)
- Team Scoring Records: The highest innings total is held by Nepal, scoring 314/3 against Mongolia.
- Highest Successful Chases: South Africa holds the record for the highest successful chase, scoring 259/4 against West Indies.
- Highest Match Aggregate: The highest match aggregate is 517/9 in a match between West Indies and South Africa.
- Lowest Innings Totals: The lowest innings total is 10 runs by the Isle of Man against Spain.
Overview of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup
The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup has a rich history, showcasing some of the most exciting moments in women’s cricket.
The tournament was first held in 2009, and since then, it has been a biennial event, occurring every two years.
- 2009 – England’s Triumph: The inaugural tournament was hosted by England, and the home team clinched the title by defeating New Zealand in the final at Lord’s. England’s Katherine Brunt and Claire Taylor played pivotal roles in their victory.
- 2010 – Australia’s Close Victory: The 2010 edition saw Australia win a thrilling final against New Zealand. This tournament is memorable for Deandra Dottin’s first century in Women’s T20 World Cup history.
- 2012 – Australia Retains the Title: Australia successfully defended their title in 2012, defeating England in a final that went down to the last over. Jess Cameron and Jess Jonassen were crucial for Australia’s win.
- 2014 – Australia’s Dominance Continues: Hosted by Bangladesh, this tournament marked Australia’s third consecutive win, defeating England in the final. Meg Lanning’s record-breaking innings was a highlight.
- 2016 – West Indies’ Historic Win: The 2016 edition in India saw the West Indies claim their first title, ending Australia’s winning streak. Hayley Matthews and Stafanie Taylor were instrumental in their victory.
- 2018 – Australia Reclaims the Title: Australia bounced back to win the 2018 tournament, hosted by the West Indies, defeating England in the final. Ashleigh Gardner’s all-round performance was notable.
- 2020 – Australia’s Home Victory: Australia hosted the 2020 edition, winning the title against India in a final that saw a record attendance at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Megan Schutt’s bowling and Beth Mooney’s batting were standout performances.
Australia has been the most successful team in the history of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, winning the tournament multiple times.
Other teams like England, New Zealand, and the West Indies have also made significant contributions to the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup’s history.
ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024
Bangladesh will host the ninth edition of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 between September and October 2024.
The top six teams from the 2023 tournament, excluding the host, also qualify directly (Australia, England, India, South Africa, New Zealand, and the West Indies). Here are more team’s will be participated:
- Rankings-Based Qualification: Pakistan qualified through their position on the ICC Women’s T20I Team Rankings as of February 27, 2023.
- Global Qualifier: Two additional teams will join through the Global Qualifier, bringing the total to 10 teams.
Overview of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024
The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, set to be the ninth edition of the tournament, will take place from June 4 to June 30, 2024.
This edition is notable for being co-hosted by the West Indies and the United States, marking the first time the tournament will be played in the USA.
Venues
In the USA, matches will be held in Dallas (Grand Prairie), Miami (Broward County in Florida), and New York (Nassau County).
In the Caribbean, venues include Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados; Daren Sammy Cricket Ground in Gros Islet, Saint Lucia; Arnos Vale Stadium in Kingstown, Saint Vincent; and the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in San Fernando, Trinidad and Tobago.
Tournament Format and Qualification
- New Format: The tournament will feature a new format with 20 teams, up from 16 in the previous edition.
- Group Stage: Teams will be divided into four groups of five, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the Super 8 stage.
- Super 8 Stage: This stage includes two groups of four teams each, with the top two from each group moving on to the semi-finals.
- Qualification: Automatic qualifiers include the top eight teams from the 2022 T20 World Cup, alongside hosts West Indies and the USA. Afghanistan and Bangladesh secured spots through ICC Rankings, while the remaining eight teams won their regional qualifiers.
Tournament Schedule
As of now, the official detailed schedule for the tournament has not been released. For the latest updates and more information on the tournament, you can visit the official ICC T20 World Cup website.
Final Words on ICC Men’s T20 World Cup
In conclusion, the ICC Men’s and Women’s T20 World Cups represent significant milestones in the evolution of cricket, reflecting the sport’s adaptability and global appeal.
These tournaments have not only provided a stage for thrilling cricketing action but have also been instrumental in expanding the game’s reach to new audiences and regions.
As the T20 format continues to grow, it promises to shape the future of cricket, fostering competitive spirit and inclusivity among nations worldwide.
The upcoming editions of ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, with their expanded formats and diverse host nations, are poised to add new chapters to this dynamic narrative of cricket.
Anything You Need to Know about ICC T20 World Cup
When T20 world cup 2024 will start?
The ninth edition of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup will commence on June 4, 2024, and conclude on June 30, 2024. Mark your calendars!
How many T20 Cup India won?
So far, India has clinched the prestigious trophy two times, emerging victorious in the 2007 inaugural edition and the 2011 tournament. Both times, they defeated Pakistan in the finals.
Who will be captain of India in T20 World Cup 2024?
Predicting the captain for the 2024 World Cup is too early at this stage. The captaincy decision depends on various factors, including Rohit Sharma’s performance, emergence of potential successors, and the team’s overall performance in the lead-up to the tournament.
Which team is qualified in T20 2024?
Twelve teams have already secured their spots for the 2024 World Cup:
- Hosts: West Indies and United States of America
- Top 8 from T20 World Cup 2022: Australia, England, India, Netherlands, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka
- Highest ranked teams outside the top 8: Afghanistan and Bangladesh
The remaining eight spots will be determined through a qualification process involving regional qualifiers and global qualifiers in 2024.
