The ICC Champions Trophy (previously known as the ICC KnockOut Tournament) is a One Day International (ODI) cricket tournament organized by the International Cricket Council (ICC). First introduced in 1998, this tournament has become a crucial part of the ODI calendar and is back this year, after an eight year gap, to deliver intense cricket action.
Evolution of the tournament
• 1998 (Bangladesh) – Originally called the ICC KnockOut Tournament, first won by South Africa.
• 2000 (Kenya) – New Zealand secured their first and only ICC trophy, defeating India in the final.
• 2002 (Sri Lanka) – The tournament has been renamed as the ICC Champions Trophy and this edition ended with a shared title between India and Sri Lanka.
• 2004 (England) – West Indies managed to defeat England in the final.
• 2006 (India) – Australia claimed their first ICC Champions Trophy.
• 2009 (South Africa) – The tournament moved to a quadrennial format (every four years). Australia claimed their second trophy.
• 2013 (England & Wales) – India won against England.
• 2017 (England & Wales) – Pakistan won their first ICC Champions Trophy, defeating India.
ICC Champions Trophy is back in 2025
After an eight year gap, the ICC Champions Trophy is making a major comeback, with Pakistan and United Arab Emirates hosting the 2025 edition. For Pakistan, this will be a very important event for two reasons: it will be the first time Pakistan is hosting a major ICC event since the 1996 Cricket World Cup and it will give the country the chance to win the title again, after the previous success in 2017.
Bookmakers see India as the main favorite, closely followed by Australia and England. Can Pakistan defy the odds and claim the ICC Champions Trophy for the second time?
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