In the memorable phrase of Brenda from Bristol, “not another one.” From the start of the tournament in the United Arab Emirates on October 17, 2021, to the final on March 8, 2026, a total of four T20 World Cups will have been packed into four years, four months, and 19 days.
These tournaments appear to occur more frequently than British general elections — to which Brenda famously responded in 2017 — but they also bring more thrilling outcomes: the last five tournaments have seen different winners, and the last three have featured six unique finalists. Moreover, despite the short time since the previous final, where India triumphed over South Africa in Barbados, the game seems to have entered a new, dynamic phase.
While it might be premature to make judgments about the state of the game in 2026, the first month of this year saw 6,960 runs scored in 21 T20 internationals at an impressive average of 9.13 runs per over—a significant increase from previous years. In 2025, England led with 9.91 runs per over, while only Bangladesh, who is not participating, Australia, and West Indies did not break their previous run-scoring records or set themselves on track to do so this year.
The batting strike rate records in the Indian Premier League were shattered in 2023, 2024, and again in 2025. Although the recent Big Bash Tournament experienced a slight drop from last year’s record, it still stands higher than any prior year. The tournaments from 2025 rank second in the Pakistan Super League and the Caribbean Premier League, while leading in Bangladesh’s BPL and England’s Blast.
In the initial six years of T20 internationals (excluding 2005 and 2006 when few were played), only three teams successfully chased scores exceeding 200 to win. However, this feat was accomplished twice this year and three times in 2025 within matches involving Test-playing nations. Over the last 13 months, there has been a notable acceleration in scoring pace across various competitions, with six of the seven highest T20 international totals scored since the last World Cup.
While the format continues to produce unpredictable results, largely influenced by key moments and some measure of luck, India seems to have a firmer grasp on the game. They have various advantages: competing on home ground and recording a staggering track record, winning 31 out of 41 T20s since the last World Cup, including 14 out of 17 at home.
Yet, as the tournament approaches, teams like England are proving moderately competitive, despite a rocky transition under Brendon McCullum. The absence of Bangladesh—leading to a tarnished reputation for the tournament—and Pakistan’s decision to boycott matches against India create a chaotic backdrop. Yet, this format continues to promise thrilling action in the coming weeks.
