In 1998, ICC introduced the Champions Trophy to make the Non-Test playing boards financially strong. After organizing it in Kenya and Bangladesh its popularity increased and teams took it as a “Mini World Cup”. Then ICC moved it towards big nations like England, India, South Africa, etc.
In the beginning, it was a completely knockout tournament, but then ICC changed its structure to a round-robin format. In 2009, ICC only allowed the top 8 teams (According to the ICC ODI Rankings) to participate for high competition.
In the past 8 tournaments, seven different countries become Trophy winners. But Australia and India both nations lifted the Cup 2 times. Pakistan was the last Champions Trophy winner in 2017 by defeating India in the final.
After the 2017 CT, ICC decided to dismiss this tournament. But after 4 years, In 2021 they took their decision back and finalize to organize it in 2025 and 2029. The hosting of the Champions Trophy 2025 is given to Pakistan.
Champions Trophy Winners List Year Wise
| Year | Host Nations | Winner | Runner-up |
| 1998 | Bangladesh | South Africa | West Indies |
| 2000 | Kenya | New Zealand | India |
| 2002 | Sri Lanka | Sri Lanka & India | None |
| 2004 | England | West Indies | England |
| 2006 | India | Australia | West Indies |
| 2009 | South Africa | Australia | New Zealand |
| 2013 | England & Wales | India | England |
| 2017 | England & Wales | Pakistan | India |
ICC Champions Trophy Winners List
South Africa 1998
In the inaugural edition of the Champions Trophy, 9 teams are competing with each other in Bangladesh. On 1 November 1998, the final between South Africa and the West Indies was played at Dhaka, Bangabandhu National Stadium.
West Indian Captain Brain Lara won the toss and chose to bat. Their opener Philo Wallace was in good touch, and he scored 103 runs in the final. At the end of the innings, West Indies put a total of 245 runs. While in chase of it, Proteas win the game in 47 overs while 4 wickets are left behind.
Due to the all-rounder performance of Jacques Kallis in the tournament. Proteas was able to win their first ICC Trophy. He becomes the Man of the Match in the final for picking 5 wickets and scoring 37 runs. He was also awarded as a Man of the Tournament.
New Zealand 2000
In 2000 ICC Champions Trophy was hosted by Kenya where 11 teams participated. Its final was played between New Zealand and India in Nairobi. Indian team bat first and set a total of 264 runs with the contribution of Sourav Ganguly 117 runs knock.
During the chase Kiwi’s half-team are dismissed on the score of 132. But then Chris Cairns came in front and shifted the game towards their side. Chris scores 102* runs not out and finishing the game in the last over.
This match is considered as one of the best finals in the history of the Champions Trophy. Chris Cairns due to his unmatchable knock awarded as a Man of the Match. New Zealand succeeded in winning their first ICC event.
Sri Lanka and India 2002
The Champions Trophy 2002 final is very famous because are Sri Lanka and India Joint Winners. Sri Lanka came to bat first, and they only smashed 222 runs on the board. After the early dismissals of top-order batsman, Mahela Jayawardene and Russel Arnold both hit fifties to reach a decent total.
While in a chase down, India was just able to score 38 runs in 8.4 overs. The rain disturbs the game and even the reserve day is also washout due to showery weather. And then ICC declares both nations as Joint Winners.
West Indies 2004
In 2004, the Cup was hosted by England where 12 nations participated. The home team perfectly utilized their conditions and was ready to play the finals with West Indies. At The Oval, the English team is going to bat first.
The English team collapsed in front of West Indies bowling except Marcus Trescothick. The top-order batsman hit 104 runs in the finals. And the English team are all out on the score of 217. During the chase, West Indies reached the target where 2 balls to left.
West Indies lift the Trophy after a long wait. Ian Bradshaw was awarded as Player of the Match in the final. He took 2 wickets and then scored 34* not-out runs.
Australia 2006-2009
In 2006 hosting rights were given to India. Team Australia face off against the defending Champions West Indies in the finals at Mumbai. West Indies bat first, and they are completely thrashed by the Australian bowling line-up. They are all out on just 138 runs.
A bit of rain interrupted the game, But Shane Watson and Damien Martyn took the responsibility to finish the match. They chase it down with 8 wickets in hand.
In the 2009 edition, only 8 teams are playing for the major ICC Trophy. In that edition, Australia again qualified for the final and this time against New Zealand. The Kiwis move to bat, and they only score 200 runs in 50 overs.
While chasing it, Shane Watson again stood tall and scored 105* not out runs. In 2006 and 2009 both times he was the Man of the Match in the final. Kangaroos are the only team to win the 2 ICC Champions Trophies consecutively.
India 2013
The 2013 Champions Trophy final was held at Birmingham between India and the host England. This game was affected by rain for a long way and the game was reduced to 20 overs. India came to bat on first and with Virat Kohli or Ravindra Jadeja’s knock they scored 129 runs.
The English team start in the chase is not well but in the middle Ravi Bopara and Eoin Morgan set up the momentum. But the game shifted completely when both these batsmen got out in the Ishant Sharma over. From that point, India held the game and won it with 5 runs.
Pakistan 2017
In the last Champions Trophy, the biggest rivals India and Pakistan meet up in the finals at The Oval. India won the toss and put Pakistan to bat. Pakistan set a huge total of 338 runs with a historic century of Fakhar Zaman and Mohammad Hafeez’s fiery knock in death overs.
In the 2nd innings, India’s top order collapsed in the power play by Mohammad Amir. Only Hardik Pandya was able to hit 76 runs. India all out on 158 score and Pakistan win their first ICC Champions Trophy title with 180 runs.
