The ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup has long served as the ultimate proving ground for the sport's future superstars. Since its inception in 1988, the tournament has evolved from a one-off Youth World Cup into a biennial showpiece. It currently features 16 teams, providing Associate nations a rare opportunity to compete against Test-playing heavyweights. Vaibhav Suryavanshi Hits Second-Fastest Hundred in U19 World Cup History.

The Evolution of the Tournament

The competition first took place in 1988 in Australia to celebrate the country's bicentenary, but it took a decade-long hiatus before returning as a regular fixture in 1998. India have historically been the most dominant force in the competition, reaching the final in six consecutive editions between 2016 and 2026.

Australia and Pakistan follow as the other multi-time champions, while nations like Bangladesh, England, South Africa, and the West Indies have each tasted glory once.

ICC Under-19 World Cup Winners List

Year Winner Runner-up Host Nation
2026 TBD TBD Zimbabwe / Namibia
2024 Australia India South Africa
2022 India England West Indies
2020 Bangladesh India South Africa
2018 India Australia New Zealand
2016 West Indies India Bangladesh
2014 South Africa Pakistan UAE
2012 India Australia Australia
2010 Australia Pakistan New Zealand
2008 India South Africa Malaysia
2006 Pakistan India Sri Lanka
2004 Pakistan West Indies Bangladesh
2002 Australia South Africa New Zealand
2000 India Sri Lanka Sri Lanka
1998 England New Zealand South Africa
1988 Australia Pakistan Australia

Record-Breaking 2026 Edition

The 2026 tournament saw the emergence of 14-year-old Indian prodigy Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who set a new record for the highest individual score in a final with a blistering 175 against England. The high-scoring nature of the IND vs ENG U19 WC 2026 final, where India posted a record 411/9, highlighted the increasing professionalisation and power-hitting prowess found at the Under-19 level. India’s Record in ICC U19 Cricket World Cup Finals.

Notable Alumni

Winning the Under-19 World Cup has often been a precursor to legendary senior careers. Past winning captains include the likes of Virat Kohli (2008), who transformed the Indian senior team, and Mitchell Marsh (2010), who became a vital all-rounder for Australia. Other stars who first made their mark here include Kane Williamson, Babar Azam, and Joe Root.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 06, 2026 05:48 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).