From India to England, here’s what happened to last 5 defending T20 World Cup champions

Defending champions England, who lifted the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup title in 2022, fell short of retaining the trophy at the 2024 edition. Entering the tournament as one of the favourites with a balanced and experienced squad, England navigated the group stages to reach the semifinals but were unable to take the final step.

Defending champions Australia, who claimed their maiden ICC Men’s T20 World Cup title in 2021, endured a frustrating title defense at the 2022 edition on home soil. Despite the advantage of familiar conditions and a settled core, Australia struggled for consistency during the Super 12 stage, suffering crucial defeats and failing to secure dominant wins.

Defending champions West Indies, who famously lifted the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup title in 2016, were unable to mount a strong title defense at the 2021 edition in the UAE and Oman. Despite entering the tournament with a reputation for power-hitting dominance in the shortest format, the Caribbean side endured a difficult campaign in the Super 12 stage.

Defending champions Sri Lanka, who clinched their maiden ICC Men’s T20 World Cup title in 2014, endured a disappointing title defense at the 2016 edition in India. Entering the tournament as experienced campaigners with a proven core, Sri Lanka struggled to find momentum in the fiercely competitive Super 10 stage.

Defending champions West Indies, who lifted the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in 2012, were unable to retain their crown at the 2014 edition in Bangladesh. Despite entering the tournament with high expectations and a squad packed with explosive match-winners, the Caribbean side’s campaign ended in the semifinals, where they were outplayed by Sri Lanka.