ICC T20 World Cup History: Every Edition from 2007 to 2024
A complete history of the ICC T20 World Cup — from India's win in 2007 to India again in 2024 and 2026 (first successful defence). Every winner, final, and iconic moment from T20 cricket's biggest stage.
The ICC Men's T20 World Cup is the premier event in Twenty20 international cricket. Held every two years (now annually for the qualification cycle), it has grown from a 12-team experiment in 2007 to a 20-team global showcase and the world's most-watched cricket event.
All T20 World Cup winners
| Year | Host | Winner | Runner-up | Final venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | South Africa | India | Pakistan | Johannesburg |
| 2009 | England | Pakistan | Sri Lanka | Lord's |
| 2010 | West Indies | England | Australia | Bridgetown |
| 2012 | Sri Lanka | West Indies | Sri Lanka | Colombo |
| 2014 | Bangladesh | Sri Lanka | India | Dhaka |
| 2016 | India | West Indies | England | Kolkata |
| 2021 | UAE/Oman | Australia | New Zealand | Dubai |
| 2022 | Australia | England | Pakistan | Melbourne |
| 2024 | USA/W. Indies | India | South Africa | Barbados |
2007 — The inaugural edition
India won the inaugural T20 World Cup in South Africa, beating Pakistan in the final by 5 runs. MS Dhoni captained the Indian side; Rohit Sharma, Yuvraj Singh, and Gautam Gambhir starred. Yuvraj's 6 sixes off Stuart Broad during the tournament became one of T20 cricket's defining moments. The format instantly proved its commercial and fan appeal.
2016 — West Indies' epic final
West Indies needed 19 off the last over bowled by Ben Stokes to win the 2016 T20 World Cup final at Eden Gardens. Carlos Brathwaite hit four consecutive sixes off Stokes to win 4 wickets and give West Indies their second T20 World Cup title. It is regarded as the greatest final in T20 history.
2021 — Australia's first T20 title
Australia won their first T20 World Cup in 2021 in the UAE, defeating New Zealand in the final by 8 wickets. David Warner scored 53 and Mitchell Marsh hit 77* off 31 balls to complete the chase with 8 overs to spare. It ended the narrative that Australia underperformed in T20 tournaments.
2024 — India's long wait ends
India won the T20 World Cup in 2024 in the West Indies and USA, defeating South Africa in the final in Barbados by 7 runs. South Africa needed 16 off the last over but fell short. Virat Kohli's 76 off 59 balls steadied India's chase of 177 in the semi-final vs England, and both Kohli and Rohit Sharma retired from T20 internationals after the win.
Frequently asked questions
Who has won the most T20 World Cups?
West Indies and India have each won the T20 World Cup twice. England, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Australia have each won once.
When was the first T20 World Cup held?
The inaugural ICC T20 World Cup was held in South Africa in September 2007. India beat Pakistan in the final.
What happened in the 2016 T20 World Cup final?
West Indies needed 19 off the last over. Carlos Brathwaite hit four consecutive sixes off Ben Stokes to win by 4 wickets in one of cricket's greatest moments.