The ICC Champions Trophy, often called the “Mini World Cup,” has given cricket fans some of the most exciting moments in the sport’s history. Since its inception in 1998, the tournament has featured intense rivalries, unexpected upsets, and standout performances from the best cricketers around the world.
Let’s take a walk down memory lane and revisit each edition, the winners, and the most unforgettable matches from every tournament!
A Look at Each Edition
1998 – Dhaka, Bangladesh
- Winner: South Africa
- Most Thrilling Match: The final between South Africa and West Indies. Hansie Cronje led his team brilliantly, and Jacques Kallis delivered an all-round masterclass, ensuring South Africa’s first ICC title.
- Player of the Series: Jacques Kallis (South Africa)
- Most Runs: Philo Wallace (West Indies)
- Most Wickets: Jacques Kallis (South Africa)
2000 – Nairobi, Kenya
- Winner: New Zealand
- Most Thrilling Match: The final against India. New Zealand successfully chased down India’s total, with Chris Cairns scoring a heroic century to take his team over the line.
- Player of the Series: Sourav Ganguly (India)
- Most Runs: Sourav Ganguly (India)
- Most Wickets: Venkatesh Prasad (India)
2002 – Colombo, Sri Lanka
- Winners: India & Sri Lanka (shared title)
- Most Thrilling Match: The final, which was washed out twice due to rain, resulting in both teams being declared joint winners.
- Player of the Series: Not awarded
- Most Runs: Virender Sehwag (India)
- Most Wickets: Muttiah Muralitharan (Sri Lanka)
2004 – England
- Winner: West Indies
- Most Thrilling Match: The final against England. Chasing a tricky target, West Indies held their nerves to pull off a stunning win.
- Player of the Series: Ramnaresh Sarwan (West Indies)
- Most Runs: Marcus Trescothick (England)
- Most Wickets: Andrew Flintoff (England)
2006 – India
- Winner: Australia
- Most Thrilling Match: The semi-final between West Indies and South Africa, where Chris Gayle’s century helped West Indies reach the final in a nail-biter.
- Player of the Series: Chris Gayle (West Indies)
- Most Runs: Chris Gayle (West Indies)
- Most Wickets: Jerome Taylor (West Indies)
2009 – South Africa
- Winner: Australia
- Most Thrilling Match: A gripping group-stage clash between England and South Africa, with England securing a hard-fought win.
- Player of the Series: Ricky Ponting (Australia)
- Most Runs: Ricky Ponting (Australia)
- Most Wickets: Wayne Parnell (South Africa)
2013 – England
- Winner: India
- Most Thrilling Match: The rain-affected final against England, which was reduced to 20 overs. India held their nerve to clinch a thrilling win.
- Player of the Series: Shikhar Dhawan (India)
- Most Runs: Shikhar Dhawan (India)
- Most Wickets: Ravindra Jadeja (India)
2017 – England & Wales
- Winner: Pakistan
- Most Thrilling Match: The final against India, where Pakistan dominated and won by 180 runs in one of the most one-sided yet satisfying finals for Pakistan fans.
- Player of the Series: Hasan Ali (Pakistan)
- Most Runs: Shikhar Dhawan (India)
- Most Wickets: Hasan Ali (Pakistan)
Tournament Records & Fun Facts
- Most Runs in Champions Trophy History: Chris Gayle (West Indies) – 791 runs
- Most Wickets in Champions Trophy History: Kyle Mills (New Zealand) – 28 wickets
Over the years, the ICC Champions Trophy has delivered some of the most memorable moments in cricket history. From last-over thrillers to record-breaking performances, this tournament has given fans plenty to cheer about. As we look forward to future editions, one thing is certain: the Champions Trophy will continue to be a stage for cricketing greatness!
