ICC Under-19 World Cup (Ireland) 2023/24

The **ICC Under-19 Men's Cricket World Cup** operates as the premier global tournament for cricket players under the age of nineteen. Organised by the International Cricket Council (ICC), the event has evolved from its inception in 1988, when it was known as the McDonald's Bicentennial Youth World Cup in Australia, into a biennial showcase for emerging talent. The competition structure accommodates sixteen national teams, which are initially split into four groups of four during the group stage.

Progression from the group phase is determined by a "Super Six" stage, where the top-ranked sides continue to compete before reaching the semi-finals and final. Participation relies on a mix of automatic qualification for Full Member nations and regional qualifiers for Associate Member nations. The tournament acts as a critical developmental platform for future international cricketers, distinct from the senior version of the event due to its strict age eligibility.

India holds the record for the most victories, securing six titles across the years 2000, 2008, 2012, 2018, 2022, and 2026. This success places them ahead of Australia, who have claimed four championships in 1988, 2002, 2010, and 2024. Other nations with multiple wins include Pakistan, with two titles in 2004 and 2006, while England, South Africa, the West Indies, and Bangladesh each possess one championship. The current reigning champions are India, having defeated England in the 2026 final hosted by Zimbabwe and Namibia.

Individual performances have also set benchmarks within the competition. Hasitha Boyagoda holds the record for the highest individual score of 191 runs, while Australia recorded the highest team total of 480 for the loss of six wickets. Shikhar Dhawan remains the leading run-scorer in a single tournament, accumulating 505 runs during the 2004 edition. The event does not feature promotion or relegation systems, focusing entirely on high-level competition for young athletes.