ICC Champions Trophy Winners List (1998 to 2025)

The ICC Champions Trophy, often nicknamed the “Mini World Cup,” was introduced by the International Cricket Council (ICC) back in 1998. At first, it was known as the ICC Knockout Tournament and was played every four years. The main goal was to generate funds for cricket in countries that didn’t have Test status. The first two editions were held in Kenya and Bangladesh. However, due to its commercial success, the tournament later took place in major cricketing nations like England and India.

Starting from the 2009 edition, the format was changed to include only the top 8 teams in the ICC ODI rankings. The rankings cutoff was set six months before the trophy started. After the 2017 edition, the Champions Trophy was discontinued to focus on having just one global tournament for each of the three cricket formats.

But, in 2021, the ICC surprised everyone by announcing the return of the Champions Trophy, set to be held in 2025 in Pakistan and 2029 in India. If India does not play in Pakistan, then they will not also cross the border for the ICC events.

ICC Champions Trophy Winners List (1998 to 2024)

Teams Qualified for the Champions Trophy 2025

After the conclusion of the 2023 World Cup league stage, the following teams have secured their spots in the 2025 Champions Trophy: India, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand earned qualification by reaching the semifinals. Host nation Pakistan and sixth-placed Afghanistan also made the cut. India, among the first to secure a berth, will be joined by top cricketing nations for the much-anticipated return of the Champions Trophy after seven years.

ICC Champions Trophy History

The ICC Champions Trophy, initially called the ICC KnockOut Tournament, kicked off in 1998 and changed its name to the Champions Trophy in 2002. Let’s break down its journey in simple terms. The ICC came up with the idea for the Champions Trophy to raise money for cricket development in non-test playing countries. The first tournaments were in Bangladesh and Kenya, but due to its success, it became a money-spinner for the ICC.

ICC Champions Trophy Evolution:

Originally known as the mini-World Cup involving all ICC full members, it started as a knockout tournament. In 2002, it switched to a round-robin format but stayed short – lasting about two weeks. Over the years, the number of teams changed, but since 2009, only the top eight teams in the ICC ODI Rankings participated. The Champions Trophy has been hosted in seven countries, with England hosting it three times. Initially held every two years, it shifted to a four-year cycle from 2009, aligning with the World Cup schedule.