The ICC Champions Trophy was one of cricket’s most prestigious limited-overs tournaments, known for its exciting competition between top cricketing nations.
First held in 1998, the tournament was initially called the ICC KnockOut before evolving into the Champions Trophy format in 2002.
Played every 4 years (with a few exceptions), the event brought together the best of the best, with eight of the world’s strongest cricket teams competing for the title.
The Champions Trophy was created as a stage for the best one-day international (ODI) cricket teams to compete. It gave fans exciting matches in a shorter format than the World Cup.
Teams got a chance to fight for glory in the 50-over format, but since it was shorter, the competition often felt more intense and action-packed.
Historical Background and Evolution
The tournament began as a knockout competition in 1998, featuring just 9 teams, and was played in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
In 2002, the event was rebranded as the ICC Champions Trophy, and it moved to a round-robin format followed by semi-finals and a final.
Over the years, the number of teams varied, but the tournament always brought high levels of competition and showcased the biggest stars in world cricket.
The ICC Champions Trophy held a unique place in the cricketing calendar. Its shorter, faster-paced nature meant that every match was crucial, making it an exciting spectacle for fans and players alike.
Over time, the tournament became known for its thrilling finals, nail-biting finishes, and memorable individual performances. Some of the most significant teams in world cricket, such as India, Australia, South Africa, and Pakistan, all left their mark on the competition.
India won the Champions Trophy twice, in 2002 and 2013, while Pakistan secured their lone title in 2017. The final matches often became showcases for remarkable performances, from stunning batting centuries to game-changing bowling spells.
ICC Champions Trophy Winners List (1998–2025)
The ICC Champions Trophy saw a total of eight tournaments from its inception in 1998 to the last completed edition in 2017.
While the tournament itself had a relatively short lifespan, its drama and excitement were unmatched, with each edition witnessing fierce competition and incredible performances.
Below is the detailed list of winners and finalists of the ICC Champions Trophy from 1998 to 2017:
| Year | Host | Winner | Runner-Up |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 | Bangladesh | South Africa | West Indies |
| 2000 | Kenya | New Zealand | India |
| 2002 | Sri Lanka | Sri Lanka and India | None (shared title) |
| 2004 | England | West Indies | England |
| 2006 | India | Australia | West Indies |
| 2009 | South Africa | Australia | New Zealand |
| 2013 | England and Wales | India | England |
| 2017 | England and Wales | Pakistan | India |
| 2025 | Pakistan | Not Decided | Not Decided |
1. 1998 – ICC KnockOut (Dhaka, Bangladesh)
Winner: South Africa
Runner-Up: West Indies
South Africa triumphed in the inaugural ICC KnockOut, which was played in Dhaka.
The tournament was unique in that it featured only nine teams and operated on a knockout format. South Africa defeated the West Indies in the final to claim the title.
Final Match Scorecard Summary
| West Indies (245/10, 49.3 overs) | |
|---|---|
| Batsman | Runs (Balls) |
| Philo Wallace | 103 (102) |
| Carl Hooper | 49 (56) |
| Bowler | Wickets/Runs (Overs) |
| Jacques Kallis (SA) | 5/30 (7.3) |
| Hansie Cronje (SA) | 2/44 (10) |
| South Africa (248/6, 47 overs) | |
|---|---|
| Batsman | Runs (Balls) |
| Hansie Cronje | 61* (77) |
| Mike Rindel | 49 (56) |
| Bowler | Wickets/Runs (Overs) |
| Phil Simmons (WI) | 2/45 (8) |
| Carl Hooper (WI) | 1/45 (10) |
Iconic Moments of ICC Champions Trophy Final 1998
1998 – South Africa’s First Major ICC Trophy (Dhaka, Bangladesh)
Jacques Kallis’s incredible all-round performance marked South Africa’s victory in the inaugural ICC KnockOut.
Kallis scored a crucial half-century and took five wickets in the semi-final, cementing his place as one of the greatest all-rounders in cricket history.
The victory against the West Indies in the final was South Africa’s first major ICC trophy win.
2. 2000 – ICC Champions Trophy (Nairobi, Kenya)
Winner: New Zealand
Runner-Up: India
The 2000 edition marked New Zealand’s first ICC tournament win, as they defeated India in a tense final.
This victory was a significant moment for New Zealand cricket, highlighting their rise as a competitive force in limited-overs cricket
Final Match Scorecard Summary
| India (264/6, 50 overs) | |
|---|---|
| Batsman | Runs (Balls) |
| Sourav Ganguly | 117 (130) |
| Sachin Tendulkar | 69 (83) |
| Bowler | Wickets/Runs (Overs) |
| Scott Styris (NZ) | 2/53 (10) |
| Nathan Astle (NZ) | 1/46 (10) |
| New Zealand (265/6, 49.4 overs) | |
|---|---|
| Batsman | Runs (Balls) |
| Chris Cairns | 102* (113) |
| Chris Harris | 46 (72) |
| Bowler | Wickets/Runs (Overs) |
| Venkatesh Prasad (IND) | 3/27 (7) |
| Anil Kumble (IND) | 2/55 (9) |
Iconic Moments of ICC Champions Trophy Final 2000
2000 – Chris Cairns’ Match-Winning Century (Nairobi, Kenya)
The 2000 final between India and New Zealand saw an unforgettable innings by Chris Cairns. Battling an injury, Cairns scored an unbeaten 102 runs to chase down India’s total in a thrilling finish.
His knock remains one of the greatest in ICC finals, leading New Zealand to their first major ICC title.
3. 2002 – ICC Champions Trophy (India)
Winners: Sri Lanka and India (shared)
Runner-Up: None
The 2002 tournament ended unusually, with Sri Lanka and India sharing the trophy after the final was washed out twice due to rain.
This was the first and only time a Champions Trophy final concluded without a single winner.
Final Match Scorecard Summary
| Sri Lanka (222/7, 50 overs) | |
|---|---|
| Batsman | Runs (Balls) |
| Mahela Jayawardene | 77 (99) |
| Russel Arnold | 56* (101) |
| Bowler | Wickets/Runs (Overs) |
| Zaheer Khan (IND) | 3/44 (9) |
| Harbhajan Singh (IND) | 1/34 (10) |
| India (38/1, 8.4 overs) | |
|---|---|
| Batsman | Runs (Balls) |
| Virender Sehwag | 25* (22) |
| Sachin Tendulkar | 7* (22) |
| Bowler | Wickets/Runs (Overs) |
| Chaminda Vaas (SL) | 1/24 (4.4) |
| Dilhara Fernando (SL) | 0/13 (4) |
Iconic Moments of ICC Champions Trophy Final 2002
2002 – Rain Halts Sri Lanka-India Final (Colombo, Sri Lanka)
The 2002 Champions Trophy final was iconic for its dramatic rain interruptions. Both the initial match and the reserve day ended without a result, forcing India and Sri Lanka to share the trophy.
The tournament became memorable for its shared victory, a rare occurrence in cricket history.
4. 2004 – ICC Champions Trophy (England)
Winner: West Indies
Runner-Up: England
In 2004, the West Indies lifted the trophy after defeating hosts England in the final.
The West Indies’ victory marked their first Champions Trophy win, and they solidified their position as one of the best teams in limited-overs cricket.
Final Match Scorecard Summary
| England (217/10, 49.4 overs) | |
|---|---|
| Batsman | Runs (Balls) |
| Marcus Trescothick | 104 (124) |
| Ashley Giles | 31 (37) |
| Bowler | Wickets/Runs (Overs) |
| Wavell Hinds (WI) | 3/24 (10) |
| Ian Bradshaw (WI) | 2/54 (10) |
| West Indies (218/8, 48.5 overs) | |
|---|---|
| Batsman | Runs (Balls) |
| Shivnarine Chanderpaul | 47 (66) |
| Courtney Browne | 35* (55) |
| Bowler | Wickets/Runs (Overs) |
| Andrew Flintoff (ENG) | 3/38 (10) |
| Steve Harmison (ENG) | 2/34 (10) |
Iconic Moments of ICC Champions Trophy Final 2004
2002 – Rain Halts Sri Lanka-India Final (Colombo, Sri Lanka)
The 2002 Champions Trophy final was iconic for its dramatic rain interruptions. Both the initial match and the reserve day ended without a result, forcing India and Sri Lanka to share the trophy.
The tournament became memorable for its shared victory, a rare occurrence in cricket history.
5. 2006 – ICC Champions Trophy (India)
Winner: Australia
Runner-Up: West Indies
Under Ricky Ponting’s leadership, Australia dominated the final against the West Indies in 2006, clinching their second Champions Trophy title.
Australia’s win further cemented their position as one of the world’s best cricketing teams of the era.
Final Match Scorecard Summary
| West Indies (138/10, 30.4 overs) | |
|---|---|
| Batsman | Runs (Balls) |
| Chris Gayle | 37 (27) |
| Shivnarine Chanderpaul | 27 (18) |
| Bowler | Wickets/Runs (Overs) |
| Nathan Bracken | 3/22 (6) |
| Glenn McGrath | 2/24 (7) |
| Australia (116/2, 28.1 overs) | |
|---|---|
| Batsman | Runs (Balls) |
| Shane Watson (not out) | 57* (88) |
| Damien Martyn (not out) | 47* (71) |
| Bowler | Wickets/Runs (Overs) |
| Ian Bradshaw | 1/21 (6) |
| Jerome Taylor | 1/42 (7) |
Iconic Moments of ICC Champions Trophy Final 2006
2006 – Australia’s Dominance Begins (Mumbai, India)
Shane Watson’s all-round brilliance defined Australia’s triumph in 2006. In the final against the West Indies, Watson took 2 wickets and scored an unbeaten 57 runs, steering Australia to their first Champions Trophy title.
This win marked the start of Australia’s dominance in the tournament.
6. 2009 – ICC Champions Trophy (India)
Winner: Australia
Runner-Up: West Indies
Australia dominated the 2006 final, defeating the West Indies convincingly to claim their first Champions Trophy.
Under Ricky Ponting’s leadership, this victory solidified Australia’s reputation as the world’s best cricketing team of the era.
Final Match Scorecard Summary
| New Zealand (200/9, 50 overs) | |
|---|---|
| Batsman | Runs (Balls) |
| Martin Guptill | 40 (64) |
| Neil Broom | 37 (62) |
| Bowler | Wickets/Runs (Overs) |
| Nathan Hauritz | 3/37 (10) |
| Brett Lee | 2/45 (10) |
| Australia (206/4, 45.2 overs) | |
|---|---|
| Batsman | Runs (Balls) |
| Shane Watson | 105* (129) |
| Cameron White | 62 (102) |
| Bowler | Wickets/Runs (Overs) |
| Kyle Mills | 3/27 (10) |
| Shane Bond | 1/34 (10) |
Iconic Moments of ICC Champions Trophy Final 2009
2009 – Australia’s Back-to-Back Triumph (Centurion, South Africa)
Australia became the first team to win consecutive Champions Trophy titles in 2009. Their victory against New Zealand in the final was powered by Shane Watson, who once again played a match-winning innings, scoring 105 not out.
Watson’s back-to-back performances solidified his reputation as a big-match player.
7. 2013 – ICC Champions Trophy (England and Wales)
Winner: India
Runner-Up: England
India secured their second Champions Trophy title in 2013 by defeating England in the final. The team’s all-around performance, led by Shikhar Dhawan’s exceptional batting, made this victory a memorable chapter in Indian cricket history.
Final Match Scorecard Summary
| India (129/7, 20 overs) | |
|---|---|
| Batsman | Runs (Balls) |
| Virat Kohli | 43 (34) |
| Ravindra Jadeja | 33* (25) |
| Bowler | Wickets/Runs (Overs) |
| Ravi Bopara | 3/20 (4) |
| James Anderson | 1/24 (4) |
| England (124/8, 20 overs) | |
|---|---|
| Batsman | Runs (Balls) |
| Eoin Morgan | 33 (30) |
| Ravi Bopara | 30 (25) |
| Bowler | Wickets/Runs (Overs) |
| Ravichandran Ashwin | 2/15 (4) |
| Ravindra Jadeja | 2/24 (4) |
Iconic Moments of ICC Champions Trophy Final 2013
2013 – India’s Nail-Biting Win Over England (Birmingham, England)
The 2013 final saw India defend a modest target of 129 in a rain-affected match against England.
Ravindra Jadeja’s all-round performance, including two wickets and a quickfire 33*, earned him the Player of the Match award.
MS Dhoni became the first captain to win all three major ICC trophies (T20 World Cup, ODI World Cup, and Champions Trophy).
8. 2017 – ICC Champions Trophy (England and Wales)
Winner: Pakistan
Runner-Up: India
Pakistan stunned the cricketing world by defeating India in a one-sided final, winning by 180 runs.
This was Pakistan’s first-ever Champions Trophy win, marking a historic moment for the team, especially after starting the tournament as underdogs.
Final Match Scorecard Summary
| Pakistan (338/4, 50 overs) | |
|---|---|
| Batsman | Runs (Balls) |
| Fakhar Zaman | 114 (106) |
| Azhar Ali | 59 (71) |
| Bowler | Wickets/Runs (Overs) |
| Bhuvneshwar Kumar | 1/44 (10) |
| Hardik Pandya | 1/53 (10) |
| India (158/10, 30.3 overs) | |
|---|---|
| Batsman | Runs (Balls) |
| Hardik Pandya | 76 (43) |
| Yuvraj Singh | 22 (31) |
| Bowler | Wickets/Runs (Overs) |
| Mohammad Amir | 3/16 (6) |
| Hasan Ali | 3/19 (6.3) |
Iconic Moments of ICC Champions Trophy Final 2013
2017 – Pakistan’s Resounding Victory Over India (The Oval, England)
The 2017 final was iconic for Pakistan’s dramatic turnaround in the tournament. Fakhar Zaman’s maiden ODI century propelled Pakistan to a commanding total of 338.
The bowling attack, led by Mohammad Amir, dismantled India’s star-studded batting line-up, securing Pakistan’s first-ever Champions Trophy win by 180 runs. This victory remains one of Pakistan’s most cherished cricketing moments.
Most number of ICC Champions Trophy wins by each country
Here’s a table highlighting the number of ICC Champions Trophy wins by each country, emphasizing the countries with the most trophies:
| Country | Trophies Won | Years Won |
|---|---|---|
| Australia | 2 | 2006, 2009 |
| India | 2 | 2002 (shared), 2013 |
| South Africa | 1 | 1998 |
| New Zealand | 1 | 2000 |
| Sri Lanka | 1 (shared) | 2002 |
| West Indies | 1 | 2004 |
| Pakistan | 1 | 2017 |
Top Performers in Champions Trophy Each Tournament (1998–2017)
Let’s take a look at the top-performing players in the ICC Champions Trophy held between 1998 and 2017. This dataset highlights the players who excelled by scoring the most runs and taking the most wickets in each tournament.
These players showcased outstanding skills and made a lasting impact on the competition. Below, you’ll find a detailed breakdown of the top run-scorers and wicket-takers, giving you an insight into the stars who dominated the ICC Champions Trophy during these years.
| Yr (Host) | Top Run-Scorer (Team) | Runs | Top Wicket-Taker (Team) | Wkts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 (BAN) | H. Gibbs (SA) | 303 | S. Pollock (SA) | 13 |
| 2000 (KEN) | N. Astle (NZ) | 319 | C. Harris (AUS) | 12 |
| 2002 (SL) | S. Tendulkar (IND) | 367 | M. Muralitharan (SL) | 12 |
| 2004 (ENG) | B. Lara (WI) | 422 | D. Bravo (WI) | 17 |
| 2006 (IND) | R. Ponting (AUS) | 344 | S. Watson (AUS) | 12 |
| 2009 (SA) | R. Ponting (AUS) | 300 | M. Johnson (AUS) | 13 |
| 2013 (ENG & WAL) | V. Kohli (IND) | 319 | R. Jadeja (IND) | 12 |
| 2017 (ENG & WAL) | S. Dhawan (IND) | 338 | H. Ali (PAK) | 13 |
Top Run-Scorers In Each ICC Champions Trophy
1998 (Bangladesh): Herschelle Gibbs (South Africa) scored 303 runs, showcasing his batting consistency in the tournament.
2000 (Kenya): Nathan Astle (New Zealand) accumulated 319 runs, proving his reliability as a key batter for his team.
2002 (Sri Lanka): Sachin Tendulkar (India) dominated with 367 runs, reaffirming his status as a cricketing legend.
2004 (England): Brian Lara (West Indies) was the standout performer with a massive 422 runs, setting the highest runs tally in the dataset.
2006 (India): Ricky Ponting (Australia) scored 344 runs, contributing significantly to Australia’s success.
2009 (South Africa): Ricky Ponting (Australia) again led the charts with 300 runs, cementing his reputation as a reliable performer.
2013 (England & Wales): Virat Kohli (India) scored 319 runs, showing his adaptability to different conditions.
2017 (England & Wales): Shikhar Dhawan (India) shone with 338 runs, underlining his prowess in tournament cricket.
Top Wicket-Takers in Each ICC Champions Trophy
1998 (Bangladesh): Shaun Pollock (South Africa) took 13 wickets, demonstrating his skill as a leading bowler.
2000 (Kenya): Chris Harris (Australia) claimed 12 wickets, contributing significantly with the ball.
2002 (Sri Lanka): Muttiah Muralitharan (Sri Lanka) took 12 wickets, using his spin to bamboozle batsmen.
2004 (England): Dwayne Bravo (West Indies) achieved an impressive 17 wickets, the highest in the dataset.
2006 (India): Shane Watson (Australia) took 12 wickets, showcasing his all-round capabilities.
2009 (South Africa): Mitchell Johnson (Australia) claimed 13 wickets, leading Australia’s bowling attack effectively.
2013 (England & Wales): Ravindra Jadeja (India) took 12 wickets, emphasizing his effectiveness in English conditions.
2017 (England & Wales): Hasan Ali (Pakistan) grabbed 13 wickets, helping Pakistan secure victories with his bowling.
Key Observations
Highest Run-Scorer: Brian Lara (West Indies) with 422 runs in the 2004 tournament.
Highest Wicket-Taker: Dwayne Bravo (West Indies) with 17 wickets in the 2004 tournament.
Consistent Performers: Ricky Ponting appeared twice as the top run-scorer (2006 and 2009), highlighting his consistency.
Indian Dominance: Indian players like Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, Shikhar Dhawan, and Ravindra Jadeja are frequently featured as top performers, reflecting India’s strong cricketing presence during this period.
Changes in the ICC Champions Trophy Over the Years
The ICC Champions Trophy, initially conceived as a secondary One-Day International (ODI) tournament, underwent profound changes throughout its history, adapting to the evolving needs of international cricket and the ICC’s strategic goals.
Transition from ICC KnockOut to Champions Trophy
Initially launched in 1998 as the ICC KnockOut Tournament, the event was designed to promote cricket in emerging cricketing nations like Kenya and Bangladesh.
It followed a straightforward knockout format, where teams faced elimination in every match.
The inaugural edition, held in Dhaka, Bangladesh, was a commercial success, prompting the ICC to continue the tournament in prominent cricket-playing nations.
By 2002, it evolved into the ICC Champions Trophy, incorporating a round-robin group stage to ensure more competitive matches and wider audience engagement.
Adjustments in Format and Teams
Initially open to all ICC Full Members, the tournament gradually narrowed its scope. By 2009, participation was restricted to the top eight ODI teams, emphasizing quality over quantity.
The tournament shifted from a biennial event to a quadrennial one, aligning it with major ICC events like the Cricket World Cup.
Rule Changes and Innovations
Over the years, the Champions Trophy introduced several rule changes:
- Powerplays were incorporated to enhance the strategic elements of the game.
- The use of the Decision Review System (DRS) in the 2013 edition improved umpiring accuracy.
- Adjustments in overs for rain-affected matches ensured decisive results, as witnessed during the rain-hit final in the 2002 Sri Lanka edition, where the trophy was shared between India and Sri Lanka (Wisden).
Legacy and Discontinuation
The final edition in 2017, won by Pakistan, highlighted the tournament’s importance as a platform for intense, high-stakes cricket. However, it was discontinued thereafter to prioritize other ICC events, like the World Test Championship.
These adjustments reflect the ICC’s commitment to keeping the tournament relevant while adapting to the shifting priorities of international cricket.
FAQs about the ICC Champions Trophy Winners
How many times has India won the ICC Champions Trophy?
India has won the ICC Champions Trophy two times:
In 2002, India shared the trophy with Sri Lanka after the final was washed out.
In 2013, India defeated England in a thrilling rain-affected final to claim their second title.
How many Champions Trophies has Pakistan won?
Pakistan has won the ICC Champions Trophy once. In 2017, they defeated India in a commanding performance to secure their first and only Champions Trophy title.
Has South Africa won the Champions Trophy?
Yes, South Africa won the inaugural ICC Champions Trophy, then called the ICC KnockOut, in 1998. They defeated the West Indies in the final to claim their first and only ICC Champions Trophy.
Has New Zealand won any ICC Trophy?
Yes, New Zealand has won ICC trophies:
ICC Champions Trophy 2000: They defeated India in the final to secure their first major ICC title.
ICC World Test Championship 2021: They beat India to win the inaugural Test Championship.
How is the ICC Champions Trophy different from the ICC Cricket World Cup?
The Champions Trophy had a shorter format, fewer teams (8), and was typically played over two weeks, making it more compact and intense compared to the World Cup.
What was the most iconic moment in ICC Champions Trophy history?
Some memorable moments include Yuvraj Singh’s six sixes in the 2007 edition, Australia’s dominance in 2009, and Pakistan’s emphatic victory against India in the 2017 final.
What was the most controversial moment in the ICC Champions Trophy?
The shared trophy in 2002 between India and Sri Lanka due to rain-affected matches remains one of the most debated moments.
Which team has the best win-loss record in the ICC Champions Trophy?
Australia holds one of the best win-loss records in the Champions Trophy, showcasing consistent performances throughout the tournament’s history.
How did the ICC Champions Trophy impact emerging players?
The tournament provided a platform for young players to shine on the global stage. Examples include Shikhar Dhawan’s performance in 2013 and Hasan Ali’s breakout in 2017.
What role did the Champions Trophy play in promoting cricket globally?
Hosting the tournament in non-traditional venues like Kenya (2000) and Bangladesh (1998) helped popularize cricket in these regions.
Which players have been the top performers in the ICC Champions Trophy?
Top performers include MS Dhoni, Shikhar Dhawan, Shane Watson, and Mahela Jayawardene for their consistent displays across multiple editions.
