ICC Champions Trophy is a major ODI cricket tournament. It features the best teams in the world. Started in 1998 as the ICC Knockout Trophy, it’s now known as the “mini World Cup.” This post covers all the winners from 1998 to 2025. We’ll look at its history, highlight big moments, and share a full list of champions. Whether you love cricket or are just curious, this guide has you covered.
As of March 4, 2025, India has made history by becoming the first team to reach the Champions Trophy final for the third time. India secured a spot in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final with a strong win over Australia in the semifinal. Chasing 265 runs, India reached the target with 3.3 overs left, thanks to standout performances by Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill.
History of the Tournament
The ICC Champions Trophy started in 1998 to raise funds for cricket in smaller nations. The first event was held in Bangladesh with nine teams. South Africa won. It was initially called the ICC Knockout Trophy but changed its name in 2002. That year, it added more teams and switched to a round-robin format.
The tournament’s format has changed over time. From 1998 to 2006, the number of teams varied, reaching 12 in 2002. That year, India and Sri Lanka shared the title after rain disrupted the final. Since 2009, it’s been a smaller event with the top eight ODI teams, held every four years. Hosts have included countries like Kenya, England, and India, showing its worldwide reach.
2025 edition is back after an eight-year break. Pakistan and the UAE are hosting it due to practical and political reasons. The prize money is $6.9 million, a 53% increase from 2017. This shows the tournament’s importance is still rising.
List of Winners
Here’s the full list of ICC Champions Trophy winners from 1998 to 2025. Data is based on past results up to 2017 and the current status as of March 4, 2025. The 2025 winner will be decided in the final, which is just a few days away.
| Year | Host(s) | Winner | Runners-Up | Teams | Matches | Venue | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 | Bangladesh | South Africa | West Indies | 9 | 8 | Bangabandhu National Stadium, Dhaka | South Africa won by 4 wickets |
| 2000 | Kenya | New Zealand | India | 11 | 10 | Gymkhana Club Ground, Nairobi | New Zealand won by 4 wickets |
| 2002 | Sri Lanka | India and Sri Lanka (co-champions) | – | 12 | 15 | R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo | Declared co-champions due to rain |
| 2004 | England | West Indies | England | 12 | – | The Oval, London | West Indies won by 2 wickets |
| 2006 | India | Australia | West Indies | 10 | 21 | Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai | Australia won by 8 wickets (D/L method) |
| 2009 | South Africa | Australia | New Zealand | 8 | 15 | SuperSport Park, Centurion | Australia won by 6 wickets |
| 2013 | England, Wales | India | England | 8 | – | Edgbaston Cricket Ground, Birmingham | India won by 5 runs |
| 2017 | England, Wales | Pakistan | India | 8 | – | The Oval, London | Pakistan won by 180 runs |
| 2025 | Pakistan, United Arab Emirates | India | New Zealand | 8 | – | Dubai International Cricket Stadium | India won by 4 wickets |
This table shows every tournament, from South Africa’s first win in 1998 to Pakistan’s strong victory in 2017. In 2025, the semi-finals are India vs. New Zealand and Australia vs. South Africa. The result is still unknown. For live updates, visit Cricbuzz.
Also Read- Unbreakable Records: Virat Kohli Fastest to 10, 20, 30… 50 ODI Centuries
Key Highlights and Records
The ICC Champions Trophy has created many memorable moments and impressive records:
- Most Successful Teams: India leads as the most successful team, with three wins, while Australia follows with two. India has won the Champions Trophy three times: in 2002 (as co-champion), 2013, and 2025.
- Unique Moments: The 2002 final is unique. India and Sri Lanka were named co-champions after rain canceled both days of play. This is a rare moment in cricket history.
- Biggest Victory: Pakistan’s 2017 win over India is the biggest victory in a final. They won by 180 runs, thanks to Fakhar Zaman’s powerful century.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the ICC Champions Trophy?
It’s an ODI cricket tournament organized by the International Cricket Council (ICC), featuring the world’s top teams in a knockout or round-robin format.
How often is the tournament held?
Initially biennial (every two years), it shifted to a four-year cycle starting in 2009, aligning with the ICC’s event calendar.
Which team has won the most titles?
ndia leads as the most successful team, with three wins, while Australia follows with two.
Where is the 2025 final being played?
The final is scheduled for March 9, 2025, at Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
Why was there a gap after 2017?
The ICC briefly replaced the Champions Trophy with T20 events but reinstated it due to its popularity and commercial success.
For more details on its history, visit the ICC official site.
Why This List Matters
The ICC Champions Trophy winners list is more than numbers—it’s a story of cricket’s best moments. From South Africa’s first win in 1998 to Pakistan’s surprise victory in 2017, each tournament shows skill, strategy, and sometimes luck (like the rain in 2002!).
As the 2025 final approaches, fans are excited to see what happens next. Will Australia win a third title? Will India take the trophy again? Or will a new team rise to the top?
Final Thoughts
The ICC Champions Trophy has become a key part of cricket history, delivering exciting games and surprises since 1998. With the 2025 tournament underway, this winners list, from South Africa’s 1998 win to the upcoming 2025 champion shows its impact. The final is on March 9.
