ICC Champions Trophy History Explained
The ICC Champions Trophy is the second-biggest ODI tournament in world cricket. This guide covers its history from the 1998 Wills International Cup through the 2025 edition, winners, and famous moments.
What Is the ICC Champions Trophy?
The ICC Champions Trophy is a 50-over tournament featuring the eight highest-ranked ODI nations in the world. Often called the mini World Cup, it was established in 1998 as a way to give a competitive ODI tournament between Cricket World Cups. It is the second most prestigious one-day tournament in world cricket after the ODI World Cup.
Origins: Wills International Cup 1998
The first edition was held in Bangladesh in 1998 as the Wills International Cup. South Africa won the inaugural tournament, defeating the West Indies in the final. The tournament was later rebranded as the ICC Knockout Trophy and then as the Champions Trophy from 2002, when it was held jointly in Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe.
Major Winners and Records
- South Africa (1998) — inaugural champions, defeating West Indies
- India (2002, 2013) — joint winners with Sri Lanka in 2002; sole winners in 2013
- Sri Lanka (2002) — joint winners with India in 2002 after a tie in the final
- Pakistan (2017) — beat India by 180 runs in the Lord's final
- India (2025) — won the Dubai-hosted edition
2013 Champions Trophy: India's Triumph
The 2013 edition in England is remembered as one of India's greatest ICC tournament victories under MS Dhoni. India beat England in the final at Edgbaston — a match reduced to 20 overs per side by rain, which India won with ease through Shikhar Dhawan's early assault. It was India's first ICC title since the 2011 World Cup.
2017: Pakistan's Historic Final Win
The 2017 Champions Trophy final at The Oval is one of the most talked-about days in Pakistan cricket. Pakistan had lost to India by 124 runs in the group stage — and then beat them by 180 runs in the final, with Fakhar Zaman scoring a century and Mohammad Amir dismantling India's top order. It remains the largest margin of victory in an ICC final.
Frequently asked questions
How many teams play in the ICC Champions Trophy?
Eight teams participate — the eight highest-ranked ODI nations at the time of qualification.
Who has won the most Champions Trophies?
India have won the most Champions Trophies — two outright (2013 and 2025), plus a shared title with Sri Lanka in 2002.
Is the Champions Trophy the same as the World Cup?
No. The ODI World Cup features all Full Members and some Associate nations, usually 10-14 teams, and is held every four years. The Champions Trophy is a smaller, eight-team tournament positioned between World Cups.