A Look Back at the ICC Champions Trophy Winners: 1998 to 2025
The ICC Champions Trophy, often referred to as the ‘Mini World Cup,’ has been a premier showcase of one-day international (ODI) cricket since its inception in 1998. Organized by the International Cricket Council (ICC), the tournament has evolved from the ICC KnockOut Trophy to a quadrennial event featuring the world’s top ODI teams. With nine editions completed—culminating in India’s triumphant victory in 2025—the Champions Trophy has provided cricketing fans with unforgettable moments and fierce competition. Here’s a detailed recap of the winners from 1998 to 2025.
List of ICC Champions Trophy Winners
1998: South Africa – The Inaugural Champions
The journey began in Dhaka, Bangladesh, with the first edition, then called the ICC KnockOut Trophy. South Africa, led by Hansie Cronje, emerged victorious in a nine-team tournament. In the final against the West Indies, Jacques Kallis starred with a five-wicket haul (5/30), restricting the West Indies to 245. South Africa chased the target down with four wickets in hand, finishing at 248/6 in 47 overs. Cronje’s unbeaten 61 runs sealed the win, marking South Africa’s only major ICC title.
2000: New Zealand – Kiwi Grit in Nairobi
The second edition, held in Nairobi, Kenya, featured 11 teams and saw New Zealand claim their maiden Champions Trophy title. Under Stephen Fleming’s leadership, the Kiwis faced India in the final. India posted 264/6, thanks to Sourav Ganguly’s 117, but New Zealand’s chase was powered by Chris Cairns’ unbeaten 102. They reached 265/6 in 49.4 overs, winning by four wickets and securing their first major ICC trophy.
2002: India and Sri Lanka – Rain-forced Co-Champions
Hosted by Sri Lanka, the 2002 edition featured 12 teams and ended in an unusual twist. India and Sri Lanka reached the final, but rain washed out both the scheduled and reserve days. Sri Lanka scored 222/7, and India were 38/1 in 8.4 overs when play was abandoned again. With no result possible, the two teams were declared joint winners—a unique moment in Champions Trophy history.
2004: West Indies – The Oval Glory
England hosted the 2004 tournament, and the West Indies emerged as surprise champions. Facing England in the final at The Oval, the West Indies bowled out the hosts for 217. A gritty 71 from Shivnarine Chanderpaul guided them to 218/8 in 48.5 overs, securing a two-wicket victory. Under Brian Lara’s leadership, this win marked the West Indies’ sole Champions Trophy triumph.
2006: Australia – The First of Back-to-Back Titles
India hosted the 2006 edition, and Australia, led by Ricky Ponting, claimed their first Champions Trophy. In the final in Mumbai against the West Indies, Australia bowled out their opponents for 138. Rain revised their target to 116 off 35 overs, which they chased down comfortably at 116/2 in 28.1 overs, winning by eight wickets. Chris Gayle’s 474 runs earned him Player of the Tournament honors, but Australia’s dominance stole the show.
2009: Australia – Consecutive Crowns
South Africa welcomed the 2009 Champions Trophy, and Australia defended their title with authority. Facing New Zealand in the final in Centurion, Australia bowled out the Kiwis for 200. Shane Watson’s unbeaten 105 led the chase, with Australia reaching 206/4 in 45.2 overs to win by six wickets. Ponting’s 288 runs earned him Player of the Tournament, and Australia became the first team to win back-to-back titles.
2013: India – MS Dhoni’s Masterclass
England hosted the 2013 edition, and India, under MS Dhoni, claimed their second title (first as sole winners). In a rain-shortened 20-over final against England, India posted 129/7, with Shikhar Dhawan’s 363-run tournament haul earning him the Golden Bat. Their bowlers, led by Ravindra Jadeja (12 wickets), restricted England to 124/8, securing a five-run victory. India’s unbeaten run through the tournament highlighted their white-ball dominance.
2017: Pakistan – The Underdog Triumph
The 2017 Champions Trophy, held in England and Wales, saw Pakistan stun the cricketing world. After losing to India in the group stage, Sarfaraz Ahmed’s team roared back, facing India again in the final at The Oval. Pakistan posted 338/4, powered by Fakhar Zaman’s 114, and bowled India out for 158, winning by 180 runs. Hasan Ali’s 13 wickets earned him Player of the Tournament, and Pakistan’s first Champions Trophy title was a fairy-tale redemption.
2025: India – Third Trophy for the Men in Blue
The ninth edition, held in 2025 across Pakistan and Dubai (India’s matches in Dubai under a hybrid model), saw India reclaim the crown. Facing New Zealand in the final on March 9 at Dubai International Stadium, India restricted the Kiwis to 251/7. The chase was tense, but Rohit Sharma’s 76 and Shreyas Iyer’s 48 guided India to 252/6 in 49 overs, winning by four wickets. This victory made India the most successful team in Champions Trophy history with three titles (2002 shared, 2013, 2025).
The ICC Champions Trophy has been a stage for cricketing greatness, celebrating the triumphs of teams and players alike. Each edition has added to the tournament’s rich legacy, leaving fans eagerly anticipating its future chapters.
