The tournament has so far had 15 editions but the biennial tournament became an annual affair since 1998 when its popularity soared. The inaugural tournament saw five teams take part. Australia, India, New Zealand, Pakistan and Malaysia were the competing teams with Australia winning the tournament by beating Pakistan 1-0 in the final. Back then, however, the tournament was called the Raja Tun Azlan Shah Cup. It was renamed to its current name just two years later.

In the last edition, India had won the bronze medal after defeating hosts Malaysia 5-2 in the playoff match for the third place. The Dutch, despite thrashing Australia 6-2 in the final last year will not return to defend their title.

Over the years, the tournament has offered a good grounding to many young players and a lot of teams have had a large number of youngsters being blooded in this tournament. Of late, however, with more prestige and history being associated with the tournament, the competitiveness has increased and countries are now sending their main teams.

The tournament has had three venues over the years with Kuala Lumpur and Ipoh hosting six events each. Penang hosted one when the erstwhile USSR also participated and even won Bronze.

India had refused to participate in the tournament in 2003 due to alleged the harassment of around 270 Indians in Kuala Lumpur in March 2003. Since then, however, India has always been a participant although not performing too well always.