The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is around the corner, and is making its return for the first time after 2017. The defending champions, Pakistan are hosting the marquee event from February 19 to March 9 in Rawalpindi, Lahore, Karachi and Dubai serving as the neutral venue.
Previously named the ICC Knockout Trophy, the first edition of the tournament was played in 1998. The apex board desired to raise funds for the development of cricket in non-test playing nations. The top eight ranked eight teams in the preceding ODI World Cup, including the hosts qualify to play in the competition.
Pakistan, India, New Zealand and Bangladesh are slotted in Group A, while Australia, Afghanistan, England and South Africa form Group B in the 2025 Champions Trophy.
So far, a total of six editions of the Champions Trophy have taken place, with India and Australia winning the title on most occasions (2). On that note, let’s check out what transpired in each edition of the tournament.
1998 – South Africa
The 1998 edition of the Champions Trophy was played in Bangladesh. India, South Africa, Sri Lanka and West Indies qualified for the semifinals. The Caribbean side prevailed over India, while the Proteas won against Sri Lanka.
In the final, West Indies posted a modest total of 245 on the board. In reply, South Africa chased down the score with three overs to spare. Jacques Kallis was the Player of the Tournament with 164 runs and eight wickets.
2000 – New Zealand
Kenya was a host to the 2000 edition of the eight-team tournament. Pakistan, New Zealand, South Africa and India reached the semifinal stage. Then, India and New Zealand won their semi-final games to clash in the finale.
Although India showed up with a fine effort to score 264, the Kiwi side chased down the score in the last over. Sourav Ganguly scored the most runs (348) and Venkatesh Prasad picked the most wickets (8).
2002 – India and Sri Lanka
The tournament was renamed from ICC Knockout Trophy to ICC Champions Trophy from this edition and Sri Lanka served as the host. India, South Africa, Australia and Sri Lanka qualified for the semifinals. The hosts secured a clinical victory over Australia, while the Men in Blue won a close encounter against the Proteas.
In the final, Sri Lanka batted first and compiled a 244-run total. Only two overs were possible, as the match was abandoned due to rain. India and Sri Lanka were declared the joint-winners. Virender Sehwag (271) and Muttiah Muralitharan (10) were the finest performers in the tournament.
2004 – West Indies
A total of 12 teams participated in the tournament, held in England. Australia, West Indies, Pakistan and England qualified for the semifinals.
Thereafter, England and West Indies were involved in a thrilling finale, as the Caribbean side chased down 218 with two wickets to spare. Ramnaresh Sarwan won the Player of the Tournament award for his contribution of 166 runs.
2006 – Australia
The fifth edition of the tournament was held in India and saw the participation of 10 teams. Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and West Indies were the top four teams after the completion of the league stage.
In the final, Australia bundled out the Caribbean team for 138 and then sealed the chase in less than 29 overs. Chris Gayle was the finest player in the tournament with 474 runs.
2009 – Australia
South Africa hosted the 2009 edition of the Champions Trophy. England, Australia, Pakistan and New Zealand stole the semifinal spots.
The Aussie side defended their title in style, as they beat the Kiwis by chasing down 201 in under 46 overs. Ricky Ponting was the Player of the Tournament with 288 runs to his name.
2013 – India
England served as the host to the eight-team competition in 2013. South Africa, England, Sri Lanka and India qualified for the semifinals.
The final clash between India and England turned into a T20 contest due to rain. Batting first, the Indian team posted 129, as England fell short by five runs. Shikhar Dhawan was the star of the tournament with 363 runs.
2017 – Pakistan
The latest edition of the Champions Trophy saw Pakistan winning their maiden title. Hosts England, Pakistan, Bangladesh and India were the top four teams to qualify for the semifinals.
In the final, Pakistan set up a big target of 339 for the Indian team. In response, the Men in Blue could only score 158 and lost by 180 runs.
