Since 1998, the ICC Champions Trophy, often called the ‘Mini World Cup,’ has delivered exhilarating ODI cricket moments. Run by the International Cricket Council (ICC), this tournament has quite the journey, originally known as the ICC KnockOut Trophy and evolving into a prestigious quadrennial event featuring elite one-day teams. With India securing the title in 2025, the Champions Trophy has now crowned champions across nine electrifying editions, each brimming with unforgettable action. Let’s embark on a journey through time, celebrating the illustrious winners of this esteemed cricketing showdown from 1998 to 2025.
The Champions Trophy Winning Teams
1998: South Africa’s Historic Victory
The odyssey commenced in Dhaka, Bangladesh, with the inaugural event labeled the ICC KnockOut Trophy. South Africa claimed the title in that nine-team showdown, showcasing Hansie Cronje’s leadership. In a hard-fought final against the West Indies, Jacques Kallis bowled a magnificent spell, taking 5/30, limiting their total to 245. South Africa chased it down with a competitive score of 248/6 in just 47 overs. Cronje’s stellar, unbeaten 61 sealed their win. This triumph marked a significant moment for South Africa, being their only major ICC accolade.
2000: New Zealand’s Grit in Nairobi
The next chapter unfolded in Nairobi, Kenya, where New Zealand clinched their first Champions Trophy. Contending against India in the final, the Kiwis, under Stephen Fleming’s helm, confidently chased down India’s 264/6 with Chris Cairns scoring an unbeaten 102. Achieving 265/6 in 49.4 overs, they triumphed by four wickets, demonstrating remarkable resilience and securing their first major ICC triumph.
2002: Shared Glory Between India and Sri Lanka
The 2002 edition, hosted by Sri Lanka, presented an unusual twist. The final between India and Sri Lanka ended unresolved due to relentless rain impacting both the final match day and its reserve. With Sri Lanka at 222/7 and India at 38/1 in 8.4 overs, both teams were declared co-champions. This remains the only shared victory in the tournament’s history, marking India’s inaugural Champions Trophy win alongside their regional counterparts.
2004: West Indies Find Glory at The Oval
England served as the hosts for the 2004 tournament, where the West Indies emerged victorious. In the tense final against England at The Oval, they bowled England out for 217. Despite some nail-biting moments, Shivnarine Chanderpaul’s gritty 71 led them to a suspenseful win, posting 218/8 in 48.5 overs. Brian Lara’s captaincy guided West Indies to their first and only Champions Trophy win, echoing their historic golden era.
2006: Australia Begins a Dual Triumph
In 2006, India hosted the tournament, and Australia, under Ricky Ponting, clinched their maiden title. Against West Indies in the Mumbai final, they restricted the opposition to 138 and chased a rain-revised target of 116 comfortably, winning by eight wickets. Chris Gayle’s standout performance earned him Player of the Tournament, though Australia’s overall execution remained unmatched.
2009: Australia Secures Back-to-Back Titles
Hosting the 2009 edition, South Africa witnessed Australia’s continued supremacy. Facing New Zealand in the final, Australia’s bowling prowess limited the Kiwis to 200. Shane Watson’s magnificent unbeaten 105 saw them through at 206/4 in 45.2 overs. Ponting shone with 288 runs in the tournament, ensuring Australia retained their Champions Trophy title seamlessly.
Here’s a fun snippet: Following India’s 2025 victory, cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar made the audience chuckle and cheer with a charming dance, bringing smiles to many faces.
2013: The Mastery of MS Dhoni’s India
England hosted the 2013 showdown, where MS Dhoni led India to victorious heights. A rain-curtailed final against England saw India post 129/7 in a tight 20-over face-off. Shikhar Dhawan dazzled with 363 runs throughout the tournament, earning the Golden Bat. Ravindra Jadeja’s lethal bowling anchored the defense, securing a five-run victory and reaffirming India’s ODI prowess.
2017: Pakistan’s Underdog Story
Returning to England and Wales in 2017, Pakistan turned heads with their remarkable journey. After an initial defeat to India, they rallied under Sarfaraz Ahmed’s leadership. In a thrilling final at The Oval, Fakhar Zaman’s century (114) led them to 338/4, followed by bowling out India for 158. Hasan Ali’s impressive 13-wicket spree earned him the Player of the Tournament as Pakistan claimed their first Champions Trophy title in style.
2025: India’s Third Champions Trophy Triumph
The ninth edition in 2025, split between Pakistan and Dubai, saw India reclaim their spot at the summit. New Zealand set the stage in Dubai with 251/7, but an artful pursuit, powered by Rohit Sharma’s 76 and Shreyas Iyer’s 48, saw India reach 252/6 in 49 overs. This third title makes India the most successful team in the tournament’s history, with a clean sweep highlighting their enduring dominance.
For more insights: Dive into the complete list of award winners from the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, from Rachin Ravindra’s exceptional performance to Rohit Sharma’s tactical brilliance.
Through a blend of unforgettable matches and iconic moments, the ICC Champions Trophy provides a showcase of cricket’s most thrilling feats and unforgettable triumphs.
