New Delhi: The 10th edition of theT20 World Cup is set to begin on February 7 in India and Sri Lanka. A total of 54 matches will be played in the 2026
T20 World Cup, which will conclude on March 8. The tournament was expanded to 20 teams in 2024, and the number will remain the same in this edition.
The International Cricket Council made a late change to the team list, replacing Bangladesh with Scotland in the tournament. Bangladesh were kicked out of the tournament due to their refusal to travel to India for the 2026 T20 World Cup due to security concerns.
The 20 participating teams have been divided into four groups, five teams each. The top two sides from each group will qualify for the Super 8 stage, where they will be divided into two groups of four teams each. The two best Super 8 teams will then advance to the semifinals.
Over the years, the cricketers have delivered some outstanding performances in the T20 World Cup, which helped them to win the Player of the Tournament award. From Virat Kohli to Jasprit Bumrah, here are the cricketers who have Player of the Tournament award in each edition.
Shahid Afridi (2007)
India won the 2007 T20 World Cup in South Africa, but Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi was awarded the Player of the Tournament award. He picked up 12 wickets in the inaugural edition and also scored 91 runs.
Tillakaratne Dilshan (2009)
The Sri Lankan opener played a crucial role in his side’s campaign to the final. He smashed 40+ runs five times in the tournament, with his highest score being an unbeaten 96 runs. Pakistan won the 2009 T20 World Cup after defeating Sri Lanka by 8 wickets. Dilshan scored 317 runs in seven matches at a strike rate of 144.74.
Kevin Pietersen (2010)
England lifted their first-ever ICC trophy in 2010 by beating Australia in the final. He scored 248 runs in 6 matches at an average of 62 in the 2010 T20 World Cup. He amassed 47 runs in the final and also stitched a crucial partnership with Craig Kieswetter to help England lift the trophy.
Shane Watson (2012)
Australia were eliminated from the semifinal of the 2012 T20 World Cup, but Shane Watson delivered a brilliant all-round performance in the tournament. He finished as the leading run-scorer with 249 runs and was the second-highest wicket-taker with 11 scalps.
Virat Kohli (2014 and 2016)
Virat Kohli won consecutive Player of the Tournament awards in the 2014 and 2016 editions. In 2014, he scored a record-breaking 319 runs in six matches at an average of 106.33. In 2016, he smashed 273 runs in five matches at an average of 136.50.
David Warner (2021)
Leading into the 2021 T20 World Cup, David Warner was stripped of the captaincy and dropped from the playing XI by Sunrisers Hyderabad. But, he replied by smashing 289 runs in seven matches at an average of 48.16, leading Australia to their maiden T20 World Cup title.
Sam Curran (2022)
The England all-rounder missed the 2021 T20 World Cup due to an injury, but delivered a crucial performance in the next edition to help his side win their second title. He picked up 13 wickets in the tournament, including a five-wicket haul in the opening match against Afghanistan.
Jasprit Bumrah (2024)
Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah delivered a sensational performance in the 2024 T20 World Cup, helping the side to win their second title. He picked up 15 wickets at an economy of 4.17. His spell in the final against South Africa turned the match in India’s favour.
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