Which Team Has Won Most Champions Trophy Titles?

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is making a comeback after eight years and will be held in Pakistan, starting on February 19th. As the host country and defending champions, Pakistan will face seven of the world’s top teams to try and keep their title.

The eight teams are split into two groups for the first round. Each team will play three matches, with the top two teams from each group moving on to the semi-finals.

History of Champions Trophy

The Champions Trophy is a global cricket tournament organized by the International Cricket Council (ICC). It started in 1998 as the ICC KnockOut Trophy, a one-time event with the top ODI teams. In 2002, it was renamed the ICC Champions Trophy and held every four years.

The first Champions Trophy was held in Bangladesh in June 1998, while the Cricket World Cup had already been around for 23 years with six completed editions. The first two Champions Trophy events were hosted by ICC Associate member countries, Bangladesh and Kenya, to help grow the sport in those nations and use the funds raised to develop cricket there.

The tournament became a regular event, bringing together the best cricket teams to compete for the famous trophy. It was played in different countries over the years, including India, England, and South Africa. The Champions Trophy featured tough competition, with teams like India, Pakistan, and Australia winning the title.

ICC Champions Trophy Evolution

Starting from the 2009 edition, the format was changed to include only the top 8 teams based on the ICC ODI rankings, with the rankings being taken six months before the tournament. After the 2017 edition, the Champions Trophy was stopped to focus on having just one global tournament for each of the three cricket formats.

However, in 2021, the ICC surprised everyone by announcing that the Champions Trophy would return in 2025 in Pakistan and 2029 in India. If India does not play in Pakistan, they will also not participate in ICC events there. The mega event is set to take place after the long gap of 8 years.

Champions Trophy Winners List (1998 to 2024)

South Africa (1)

South Africa won the very first ICC Champions Trophy in 1998 when it was called the ICC KnockOut. The tournament had top ODI teams, and South Africa won by beating the West Indies in the final. It was held in Dhaka, Bangladesh, and this remains South Africa’s only Champions Trophy title.

West Indies scored 245 runs, with Philo Wallace making a century. In reply, South Africa won the match in 47 overs, securing victory by four wickets.

New Zealand (1)

The second edition, held in Kenya in 2000, had 11 teams, and the final was played between India and New Zealand in Nairobi. India scored 264/6, with captain Sourav Ganguly making 117 runs.

In reply, India was on track to win, having taken 5 wickets for 132 runs. However, Chris Cairns, who came in at number 5, scored an amazing century and led his team to victory.

Sri Lanka (1)

Sri Lanka and India shared the title of Champions Trophy 2002 after the final was rained out over two days. The tournament was played in different cities in India, and both teams were named co-champions.

This edition is remembered for the rain-affected final, but India’s performance in the tournament was strong.

West Indies (1)

The 2004 edition of the tournament was held in England with 12 teams taking part in it. The final between England and West Indies was held at The Oval, London. England were asked to bat first but barring Marcus Trescothick’s century, no other batsman could impress.

They got all-out in 217 runs in 49.4 overs, with Wavell Hinds picking up 3 wickets. Chasing the total, West Indies won the game eventually by two wickets and won their maiden Champions Trophy title.

Pakistan (1)

Pakistan won their only ICC Champions Trophy in 2017 in an amazing way. In the final at The Oval in London, Pakistan beat India by 180 runs in a big surprise. Pakistan, led by Sarfaraz Ahmed, was seen as underdogs at the start, but their strong all-round performance, including great batting from Fakhar Zaman, and the impactful cameo by Mohammad Hafeez helped Pakistan to post the massive score on the board. The excellent bowling from Mohammad Amir, helped them win their first Champions Trophy title.

Pakistan dominated India in every department on that day. This win is considered one of the biggest surprises in the tournament’s history.

India (2)

India shared the title with Sri Lanka in the 2002 Champions Trophy after the final was canceled due to rain. The tournament was held in several cities in India, and both teams were named co-champions. This edition is remembered for the rain-affected final, but India played very well throughout the tournament.

India won their second Champions Trophy in 2013. The final was held at Edgbaston in Birmingham, where India won by just 5 runs against England. Led by MS Dhoni, India performed well in all areas and this win marked their first ICC title in the Champions Trophy since 2002. India made 129/7, with important contributions from Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja. In their chase, the home team kept losing wickets consistently.

Australia (2)

Australia won their first Champions Trophy in 2006 in India by beating the West Indies in the final. This was the first time the tournament was held in India, and the final was played at Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai. Batting first, West Indies were all out for just 138 runs in 30.4 overs.

Due to rain delays, Australia was set a target of 116 runs in 35 overs. Shane Watson and Damien Martyn played great innings, helping Australia win by 8 wickets in 28.1 overs. This victory showed Australia’s strength in ODI cricket with strong batting and bowling.

 

In 2009, Australia won their second Champions Trophy by defeating New Zealand in the final at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa. The match was close, but Australia’s experience helped them win their second title.

The tournament had 8 teams, and in the final, New Zealand scored only 200/9 in 50 overs. In reply, Shane Watson hit a superb century, scoring 105 runs off 129 balls. Australia won by 6 wickets, claiming their second consecutive title.

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