The ICC Champions Trophy was once dubbed the “Mini World Cup,” bringing together the top cricketing nations in a fast-paced, high-stakes ODI (One Day International) tournament. From 1998 to 2025, the Champions Trophy has witnessed thrilling matches, unforgettable performances, and historic victories.

What is the ICC Champions Trophy?

The ICC Champions Trophy was a premier One-Day International tournament organized by the International Cricket Council (ICC). It featured the top 8-ranked teams in world cricket. Unlike the World Cup, it had a shorter format, making every match crucial.

Highlights of ICC Champions Trophy Editions

1998 (Bangladesh)

Final: South Africa vs West Indies

Winner: South Africa (Won by 4 wickets)

Highlight: The inaugural edition of the Champions Trophy, then called the ICC KnockOut, saw South Africa claim their only ICC title. Jacques Kallis was the standout player with both bat and ball, playing a crucial role in the final.

2000 (Kenya)

Final: New Zealand vs India

Winner: New Zealand (Won by 4 wickets)

Highlight: New Zealand lifted their first ICC trophy, with Chris Cairns scoring a brilliant 102 despite playing with an injury*, guiding the Kiwis to a historic win over India.

2002 – Sri Lanka (Colombo)

Final: India vs Sri Lanka

Winner: Joint winners (match washed out twice)

Highlight: Rain played spoilsport as the final was washed out twice. Both teams were declared joint winners. Virender Sehwag was a top performer for India, while Sanath Jayasuriya shined for Sri Lanka.

2004 – England

• Final: West Indies vs England (The Oval)
• Winner: West Indies (Won by 2 wickets)
• Highlight: A stunning comeback by the West Indies saw them chase down 218 with tail-enders at the crease. Courtney Browne and Ian Bradshaw forged a famous 71-run stand for the 9th wicket.

2006 – India

• Final: Australia vs West Indies (Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai)
• Winner: Australia (Won by 8 wickets)
• Highlight: Australia finally won their first Champions Trophy after multiple failed attempts. Shane Watson starred with the bat, while Glenn McGrath and Nathan Bracken controlled with the ball.

2009 – South Africa

Final: Australia vs New Zealand

Winner: Australia (Won by 6 wickets)

Highlight: Australia defended their title with ease. Shane Watson scored a match-winning century, and Ricky Ponting was among the top scorers in the tournament.

2013 – England

Final: India vs England (Edgbaston, Birmingham)

Winner: India (Won by 5 runs)

Highlight: A rain-curtailed final saw India lift their second Champions Trophy. MS Dhoni became the first captain to win all three ICC white-ball trophies. Ravindra Jadeja was Player of the Tournament.

2017 – England & Wales

Final: Pakistan vs India (The Oval)

Winner: Pakistan (Won by 180 runs)

Highlight: A one-sided final where Fakhar Zaman scored a scintillating 114, and Mohammad Amir blew away India’s top order. This was Pakistan’s first Champions Trophy title.

2025 – UAE & Pakistan

Final: India vs New Zealand (Dubai International Stadium)

Winner: India (Won by 4 wickets)

Highlight: Rohit Sharma guided India to their record third title, making them the most successful team in Champions Trophy history. Rachin Ravindra was Player of the Tournament for his all-round brilliance.

ICC Champions Trophy Key Records

Most Titles: Australia (2), India (2), shared by other teams.

Most Runs (Overall): Chris Gayle – 791 runs.

Most Wickets (Overall): Kyle Mills – 28 wickets.

Highest Team Total: Pakistan – 338/4 vs India in 2017 final.

Best Bowling Figures: Farveez Maharoof – 6/14 vs West Indies (2006).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Who has won the most ICC Champions Trophy titles?
A1: India holds the record with three titles (2002*, 2013, 2025).

Q2: Why was the Champions Trophy discontinued after 2017?
A2: The ICC initially planned to streamline global tournaments, focusing on the World Cup and World Test Championship. However, the Champions Trophy was reinstated in 2025.

Q3: Where was the 2025 Champions Trophy held?
A3: The 2025 edition was hosted in the UAE & Pakistan, with the final played in Dubai.

Q4: Who was the Player of the Tournament in 2025?
A4: Rachin Ravindra from New Zealand was named Player of the Tournament for his outstanding all-round performance.

Q5: What is the highest individual score in a Champions Trophy final?
A5: Fakhar Zaman’s 114 runs for Pakistan against India in the 2017 final is the highest individual score in a Champions Trophy final.