New Delhi: Fresh off their historic triumph in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, Team India is set to return the original trophy to the International Cricket Council (ICC), in line with longstanding global regulations.
India scripted a remarkable chapter by defeating New Zealand by 96 runs in the final at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium, becoming the first team to win the title three times (2007, 2024, and 2026), the first to defend it consecutively, and the first to lift it on home soil.
However, according to ICC rules established 27 years ago, the ICC permanently owns the original trophy — crafted by Jaipur-based designer Amit Pabuwal and weighing around 6 kg with a height of 21 inches. It is safeguarded at the organization’s Dubai headquarters to prevent theft, damage, or loss.
After the victory ceremony and photo sessions, the gleaming original will be handed back to ICC officials. In its place, Team India will receive an identical replica (often called a dummy trophy), meticulously made with gold and silver to look exactly like the real one.
This practice is standard across ICC events, ensuring the prestigious original stays secure while champions take home a perfect keepsake for display and celebrations.
The move underscores the ICC’s emphasis on trophy preservation amid the high-profile nature of global cricket events. Fans can still expect the replica to star in victory parades and BCCI events as India basks in its record-breaking glory.