The ICC Champions Trophy, a prestigious international cricket tournament, has been a major part of the cricketing calendar since its inception in 1998. Over the years, the tournament has seen some memorable moments, with thrilling matches and unexpected outcomes. This article provides a detailed look at the winners, runners-up, and the captains who led their teams to glory in the ICC Champions Trophy from 1998 to 2025.
ICC Champions Trophy Winners List (1998-2025):
| Year | Final Match | Winner | Hosted By |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 | South Africa Vs West Indies | West Indies | Bangladesh |
| 2000 | India Vs New Zealand | India | Kenya |
| 2002 | India Vs Sri Lanka | Both Countries | Sri Lanka |
| 2004 | England Vs West Indies | England | England |
| 2006 | Australia Vs West Indies | West Indies | India |
| 2009 | Australia Vs New Zealand | New Zealand | South Africa |
| 2013 | England Vs India | England | England and Wales |
| 2017 | India Vs Pakistan | India | England and Wales |
| 2025 | To be decided | To be decided | Pakistan |
Overview of the ICC Champions Trophy
The ICC Champions Trophy has witnessed various cricketing legends leading their teams to glory. Let’s take a closer look at each tournament and the key moments that made them stand out:
1998: South Africa’s Historic Victory
The inaugural edition of the ICC Champions Trophy was held in Bangladesh, where South Africa emerged victorious, defeating West Indies in a thrilling final. Under the leadership of Hansie Cronje, South Africa set the tone for future editions of the tournament.
- Winner: South Africa
- Runner-Up: West Indies
- Hosted By: Bangladesh
- Winning Captain: Hansie Cronje
2000: New Zealand’s Breakthrough Win
In 2000, the tournament moved to Kenya, where New Zealand claimed their first Champions Trophy title. Stephen Fleming’s leadership and the team’s strong performance, defeating India in the final, solidified New Zealand’s place in cricketing history.
- Winner: New Zealand
- Runner-Up: India
- Hosted By: Kenya
- Winning Captain: Stephen Fleming
2002: Joint Victory for Sri Lanka and India
The 2002 edition, hosted by Sri Lanka, was unique in that Sri Lanka and India were declared joint winners due to persistent rain interruptions. This was the first instance in ICC Champions Trophy history where two teams were awarded the trophy.
- Winner(s): Sri Lanka and India
- Runner-Up: None (Joint Winners)
- Hosted By: Sri Lanka
- Winning Captain: Sourav Ganguly (India) and Sanath Jayasuriya (Sri Lanka)
2004: West Indies Triumph on Home Soil
In 2004, West Indies hosted the tournament and emerged as champions. Brian Lara’s leadership was instrumental in guiding West Indies to victory over England in the final.
- Winner: West Indies
- Runner-Up: England
- Hosted By: England
- Winning Captain: Brian Lara
2006: Australia’s Dominance in India
Australia, under the leadership of Ricky Ponting, continued their dominance in world cricket by winning the 2006 Champions Trophy in India. They defeated the West Indies in the final, showcasing their all-around strength.
- Winner: Australia
- Runner-Up: West Indies
- Hosted By: India
- Winning Captain: Ricky Ponting
2009: Another Title for Australia
In 2009, Australia once again proved their cricketing dominance, winning the ICC Champions Trophy in South Africa. Ricky Ponting’s men defeated New Zealand to claim their second consecutive title, solidifying Australia’s position as the powerhouse of international cricket.
- Winner: Australia
- Runner-Up: New Zealand
- Hosted By: South Africa
- Winning Captain: Ricky Ponting
2013: India’s Second Champions Trophy Win
The 2013 ICC Champions Trophy, held in England and Wales, saw India capture their second title. Under the captaincy of Mahendra Singh Dhoni, India defeated England in a tightly contested final to lift the trophy once again.
- Winner: India
- Runner-Up: England
- Hosted By: England and Wales
- Winning Captain: Mahendra Singh Dhoni
2017: Pakistan’s Stunning Victory
The 2017 edition of the ICC Champions Trophy was one for the history books, as Pakistan shocked the cricket world by defeating India in a one-sided final. Led by Sarfaraz Ahmed, Pakistan’s victory marked their first Champions Trophy title, and it was a momentous occasion for their cricketing history.
- Winner: Pakistan
- Runner-Up: India
- Hosted By: England and Wales
- Winning Captain: Sarfaraz Ahmed
2025: To Be Decided
The 2025 edition of the ICC Champions Trophy is set to take place in Pakistan. The tournament will see teams vying for the prestigious trophy, with the winning captain yet to be determined. The cricket world eagerly awaits this exciting edition of the tournament.
- Winner: To be decided
- Runner-Up: To be decided
- Hosted By: Pakistan
- Winning Captain: To be decided
Closing Remarks
The ICC Champions Trophy has seen numerous memorable moments, with each edition contributing to the rich history of international cricket. From the iconic victories of Australia and India to the shocking upset by Pakistan, the tournament has consistently delivered high-quality cricket and thrilling competition. As we look forward to the 2025 edition in Pakistan, the legacy of the ICC Champions Trophy will continue to inspire cricket fans around the world.
