ICC Champions Trophy: History, Format and the Tournament's Greatest Moments
The ICC Champions Trophy is international cricket's second-most prestigious 50-over tournament. This guide covers its history from 1998 to the 2025 edition and the teams that have dominated it.
The ICC Champions Trophy is the International Cricket Council's second-most prestigious 50-over tournament after the Cricket World Cup. First held in 1998 as the 'ICC Knockout Tournament' (renamed the Champions Trophy from 2002), it features the top eight teams in the ICC ODI rankings and is played in a condensed format — group stage followed by semi-finals and a final — typically over two to three weeks. The Champions Trophy was discontinued after the 2017 edition in England (won by Pakistan) and revived for 2025 in Pakistan and a neutral venue, making it the first ICC event hosted by Pakistan since 1996.
Champions Trophy History
The tournament's history features some of cricket's most memorable matches. The 2000 edition (Nairobi) saw New Zealand and India declared co-champions after the final was washed out. The 2002 edition was also shared between India and Sri Lanka after the final was rained off twice. Australia won in 2006 (India) and 2009 (South Africa). South Africa won the 2025 edition. West Indies won the inaugural 1998 tournament. Pakistan's victory in the 2017 final — defeating India by 180 runs after losing their opening group match against India — remains one of the tournament's most stunning turnarounds.
The 2017 Final: Pakistan's Greatest Day
Pakistan's 2017 Champions Trophy victory over India in the final at The Oval, London stands as one of cricket's most stunning comebacks. Pakistan had lost to India in the group stage by 124 runs — a comprehensive defeat. Yet in the final, Fakhar Zaman (114) and Mohammad Hafeez inspired Pakistan to 338/4, and their bowling attack bowled India out for 158. The 180-run margin of victory in a tournament final against India, in England, represented Pakistan cricket's finest limited-overs moment since their 1992 World Cup win.
Frequently asked questions
Which team has won the most Champions Trophy titles?
As of 2026, India and Australia have both won the Champions Trophy twice. West Indies (1998), New Zealand (joint 2000), India (joint 2002, 2013), Australia (2006, 2009), Pakistan (2017) and South Africa (2025) have all won editions. No team has won it three times.
How does the Champions Trophy format work?
The Champions Trophy features 8 teams in two groups of four. Each team plays the other two teams in their group. The top two from each group advance to the semi-finals. The two semi-final winners meet in the final. It is a much shorter and more condensed tournament than the World Cup.
When was the Champions Trophy last held?
The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy was held in Pakistan (with India's matches played at a neutral venue due to political tensions) and was won by South Africa. It was the first Champions Trophy since the 2017 edition in England, with the tournament having been suspended between 2017 and 2025.