The ICC Champions Trophy is a major international cricket tournament organized by the International Cricket Council (ICC). It is played in the One-Day International (ODI) format and features the top eight cricket teams from around the world. Here’s a breakdown of its history, winners, and how it works:
What is the ICC Champions Trophy?
The ICC Champions Trophy was initially known as the ICC Knockout Trophy when it first began in 1998. The tournament was created to raise funds for the development of cricket in non-test playing countries, similar to the FIFA Confederations Cup in football. It is a quadrennial event, meaning it takes place every four years.
History of the ICC Champions Trophy
- First Edition (1998): The first Champions Trophy was held in Bangladesh. South Africa won the inaugural tournament by defeating the West Indies in the final.
- Subsequent Editions: The tournament has been hosted by various countries, including Kenya, Sri Lanka, England, India, and South Africa. The format has evolved over time, but it generally involves a group stage followed by semi-finals and a final.
- Discontinuation and Revival: The tournament was discontinued after the 2017 edition as part of the ICC’s strategy to streamline international cricket. However, it was revived in 2025, with Pakistan hosting the event alongside the UAE.
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Winners of the ICC Champions Trophy
Here is a list of past winners:
| Year | Winner | Runner-Up | Host |
| 1998 | South Africa | West Indies | Bangladesh |
| 2000 | New Zealand | India | Kenya |
| 2002 | Sri Lanka/India | – | Sri Lanka |
| 2004 | West Indies | England | England |
| 2006 | Australia | West Indies | India |
| 2009 | Australia | New Zealand | South Africa |
| 2013 | India | England | England and Wales |
| 2017 | Pakistan | India | England and Wales |
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Format of the ICC Champions Trophy
- Participating Teams: The top eight ranked teams in the world qualify for the tournament.
- Group Stage: Teams are divided into two groups of four. Each team plays the other three teams in their group.
- Semi-Finals and Final: The top two teams from each group advance to the semi-finals, with the winners competing in the final.
ICC Champions Trophy 2025
The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy is being hosted by Pakistan and the UAE. Due to political tensions between India and Pakistan, India’s matches, including the final, are being held in Dubai. The tournament began on February 19 and will conclude on March 9. The final match is scheduled between India and New Zealand in Dubai.
In summary, the ICC Champions Trophy is a prestigious cricket tournament that brings together the world’s best teams in a competitive ODI format. Its history is marked by exciting matches and memorable victories, and it continues to be a highlight of the international cricket calendar.
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