The men’s T20 World Cup 2026 will get underway on Feb. 7. There will be 20 teams competing to win the biggest trophy in cricket’s shortest format. To help them achieve their goal, they have to rely on one key player who will consistently churn out match-winning performances.
From Shahid Afridi’s explosive all-round show in the very-first edition to Jasprit Bumrah’s bowling brilliance in 2024, the Player of the Tournament award has recognised these special talents. In the build up to the 10th edition of the T20 World Cup, here’s a look at all nine men who have won the award so far.
1. ICC World Twenty20, 2007
Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi was the standout performer in the inaugural edition. He scored 91 runs and picked 12 wickets, contributing significantly throughout the tournament.
2. ICC World Twenty20, 2009
Sri Lanka’s Tillakaratne Dilshan dominated the tournament with his innovative stroke play, scoring 317 runs, the highest in the 2009 edition.
3. ICC World Twenty20, 2010
England’s Kevin Pietersen delivered a powerful batting campaign, amassing 248 runs and playing crucial innings that propelled England to their first ICC title.
4. ICC World Twenty20, 2012
Shane Watson produced one of the most dominant all‑round performances in T20 World Cup history, scoring 244 runs and taking 11 wickets. His contributions earned him the award.
5. World T20, 2014
Virat Kohli scored a phenomenal 319 runs, including several match-defining knocks, earning his first Player of the Tournament award.
6. World T20, 2016
Kohli won the award again — the only player to do so twice — after scoring 273 runs in yet another highly consistent campaign.
7. ICC T20 World Cup, 2021
David Warner scored 289 runs, including a vital half‑century in the final, playing a key role in Australia’s maiden T20 World Cup title.
8. ICC T20 World Cup, 2022
Sam Curran, England’s left‑arm seamer, took 13 wickets, including a brilliant spell in the final. His wicket-taking consistency earned him the award.
9. ICC T20 World Cup 2024
Jasprit Bumrah delivered one of the greatest bowling campaigns in T20 World Cup history, taking 15 wickets at an astonishing economy rate of 4.17, helping India lift the 2024 title.
Also Read | T20 World Cup Timeline: Every Edition, Champion Team And Captain Ahead Of 2026 Tournament
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