The ICC Champions Trophy is cricket's most elite tournament. Popularly referred to as the "Mini World Cup," it sees the best ODI teams in a limited and intense format.

This tournament, over the years, has seen legendary performances, legendary rivalries, and match-winning moments. As Champions Trophy 2025 draws near, let's take a look at its past, champions, and what awaits us in the next edition.

History of the ICC Champions Trophy

The ICC ChampionsTrophy was initially launched in 1998 as the ICC KnockOut Tournament. It was conceptualized as a shorter version of the World Cup, with just the top teams.

The competition was rechristened the Champions Trophy in 2002 and has since continued to be one of the most thrilling tournaments of ODI cricket.

In contrast to the World Cup, which features several teams and a lengthy format, the Champions Trophy is an elite tournament. Only the best-ranked teams make it in, so each game is high-pressure.

Some of the most successful teams in ICC Champions Trophy history are:

• Australia – Two-time champions (2006, 2009)
• India – Two-time champions (2002*, 2013)
• Pakistan – 2017 champions
• South Africa – First-ever champions in 1998

The tournament has seen some of the most exciting matches and finest individual performances in the history of cricket.

Also see : Shreyas Iyer vs Babar Azam in ICC Events

List of ICC Champions Trophy Winners

Following is a complete list of Champions Trophy winners and runners-up:

Top 5 Memorable Moments

1. 2002 Final – Joint Winners

The 2002 final between Sri Lanka and India was rain-affected to a great extent. Despite a reserve day, the match could not be finished.

For the first time in the history of ICC, India and Sri Lanka were declared joint winners. This is a one-time occurrence in cricket.

2. West Indies' Revival of 2004

West Indies played England in the 2004 final and were in trouble at 147/8, in pursuit of 218.

An incredible partnership between Courtney Browne and Ian Bradshaw took them to victory. This is one of the greatest comebacks in the history of Champions Trophy.

3. Australia's Back-to-Back Titles (2006 & 2009)

Australia became the first team to win back-to-back Champions Trophy titles.

• In 2006, they thrashed West Indies.
• In 2009, they beat New Zealand comprehensively.

Key players such as Ricky Ponting, Shane Watson, and Brett Lee were instrumental in Australia's success.

4. India's Thrilling Victory in 2013

India played England in a rain-hit 2013 final. The match was cut short to 20 overs a side.

India defended a low total of 129 runs on the back of excellent bowling by Ravindra Jadeja. They won by 5 runs, and MS Dhoni became the first captain to win all three ICC titles.

5. Pakistan's Historic Victory in 2017

Pakistan stunned the world with an incredible win against India in the 2017 final.

• Fakhar Zaman played a marvelous 114 runs.
• Mohammad Amir's killer spell got India's top order batsmen out early.

Pakistan won by 180 runs, winning their first-ever ICC Champions Trophy title.

ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Teams & Expectations

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will be organized by Pakistan and the UAE.

Semifinalists:

• India
• New Zealand
• Australia
• South Africa

The ICC Champions Trophy has given cricket fans legendary matches, unforgettable moments, and intense rivalries.

Also see :Shreyas Iyer vs Babar Azam in ICC Events

Playing in ICC tournaments is a real test of the mettle of a cricketer under pressure. Two contemporary stars, India's Shreyas Iyer and Pakistan's Babar Azam, have proved their worth on the international stage.

Whereas Babar is famous for his consistency and captaincy, Iyer has impressed with his big-match performances.

Shreyas Iyer in ICC Events

Shreyas Iyer first appeared in the ICC tournament in the 2023 ODI World Cup. Although he wasn't experienced enough, he was a vital player in India's run.

Shreyas Iyer's ICC Tournament Stats (2023 ODI World Cup):

• Matches Played: 11
• Total Runs: 530
• Batting Average: 66.25
• Strike Rate: 97.27
• Centuries/Fifties: 2/3
• Best Score: 128*

Key Performances:

• 128 vs Netherlands:* A stupendous knock during the group stage.
• 105 vs New Zealand (Semi-Final): A match-winning century in a tight knockout encounter.
•  82 vs Sri Lanka: A thrilling innings that enabled India to register a huge score.

Iyer's capability to push the innings and deliver under pressure makes him an asset middle-order batsman.

Also See : Karun Nair's Ranji Trophy Heroics: 86 & 135 – A Strong Case for India Test Recall!

Babar Azam in ICC Events

Babar Azam has been the mainstay of Pakistan's batting unit in ICC events, playing in the T20 World Cup, ODI World Cup, and Champions Trophy since 2017.

Babar Azam's ICC Tournament Stats (ODI & T20 World Cups):

• Matches Played: 43
• Total Runs: 1,604
• Batting Average: 42.2
• Strike Rate: 81.13 (ODIs), 112.15 (T20s)
• Centuries/Fifties: 1/15
• Best Score: 101*

Key Performances:

• Scored a spectacular 101 against New Zealand during the 2019 ODI World Cup*.
• Led Pakistan to the final of the T20 World Cup 2022 as captain.

Has faced criticism for a poor strike rate in pressure situations.

Despite his consistent run-scoring, Babar has been criticized for being conservative in do-or-die matches, especially in ICC knockout matches.

Head-to-Head Comparison: Shreyas Iyer vs Babar Azam in ICC Competitions

Performance Analysis:

• Iyer is superior on average and strike rate even though he has played fewer games.
• Babar has more runs and experience, but his performance in knockout matches is inferior.
• Iyer has played high-pressure games, while Babar has played well but not that aggressively in crucial moments.

If we consider total experience and total runs, then the advantage lies with Babar Azam

If we compare strike rate, match-winning potential, and pressure match performances, then Shreyas Iyer has been superior.

Also See : Karun Nair's Ranji Trophy Heroics: 86 & 135 – A Strong Case for India Test Recall!

India has overcomed New Zealand by 44 runs which was the finest match of group B. Both the team had few changes in their team where New Zealand added Kane Williamson and India added Varun Chakravarthy. New Zealand won the toss and elected to field first, India had a shaky start losing Rohit and Subhman Gill earlier. Even the King couldn't hold his innings more and caught out early which dismayed India into serious trouble. Early wicket gainers had huge advantage for New Zealand. 

 New Zealand displayed why they are most successful team in this Trophy even they had slight change in the team. They were pro active in the field, but Shreyas Iyer had different plans. 

Iyer Stables The Innings

Shreyas Iyer and Axar Patel started the re building phase though being an aggressive batter he didn't let the approach down. Even Axar too gave the needy support to the innings. Once they crossed the tuff phases they showed their class. Shreyas reached his well made 50. But Axar was removed on this process and Rahul backed the innings with Iyer. When everything seemed going well Iyer lose his wicket making well made 79 runs. 

Read More : Ms Dhoni Marks His Last Dance In IPL

 Though India were quite lacking the par score and in quick session they lost Rahul too. It was Hardik Pandya who rescued India from difficult phase scoring 45 runs of 45 balls rest others gave there sub contribution. Though India couldn't able to score 250 runs, they were a run short of that. 

Read More : Jos Butler Pens Down From England Captaincy

New Zealand Fall And Australia On Cards

It looked an easy chase for New Zealand team having depth in batting. But when the chase started it was totally vice versa for New Zealand where they lost Rachin Ravindra early. It was a huge plus for India. From there India got a slight gateway entering into the match. Soon Will Young departed giving a surprise to the New Zealand dugout.

It was Kane Williamson who anchored the innings but at the other he didn't get enough support. At the other end wickets were failing at regular intervals. Once a innings begun to built it was dismantled early, but Williamson was holding one end fighting like a lone warrior. He made well made 50 but couldn't finish the job for his team. He got stumped by Kl Rahul and after his departure it was pile of cards and India won the match by 44 runs, thanks to Varun Chakravarthy who got well made fifer in his Champions Trophy debut. 

 India is having a biggest hurdle on their semi final chart that is Australia who have given really a tuff time to them. Who would have forget Travis Head knock in World Cup final 2023. Will the trend continues it will be seen in mere time. 

Rohit Sharma is a fantastic captain for Team India, guiding team and he has an incredible 88.29% win rate in ICC ODI tournaments. Under his captaincy, India won 25 out of 28 matches, making them one of the best teams in world cricket.

Rohit Sharma's captaincy has led India to an unstoppable winning streak in ICC tournaments.

Rohit’s calm and smart Captaincy is a big reason for India’s success in ICC tournaments. He knows how to handle pressure in tough situations, makes the right decisions, and brings the best out of his players in Difficult situations. When making tough Decisions like right field or making bold Decisions during the game, he has led from the front with confidence and Experience.

Rohit Sharma commands an incredible 88.29% win rate in ICC white-ball events, leading India to 25 victories in 28 matches🤯#RohitSharma pic.twitter.com/rEcPfEdhpT

— CricTracker (@Cricketracker) March 2, 2025

Rohit and India play fearless and consistent cricket in every tournament. The team has adapted well to different situations, showing great fighting spirit in difficult situations. With just one loss in their last 22 ICC tournament matches, India’s winning streak shows Rohit's experience and skills in Captaincy.

Sheer dominance from skipper Rohit Sharma! 🇮🇳🔥

Under his captaincy, Team India has lost just one game in the last 22 ICC matches! 🏆👏#RohitSharma #ODIs #T20Is #India #Sportskeeda pic.twitter.com/oZGEn9IL3g

— Sportskeeda (@Sportskeeda) March 2, 2025

In ICC tournaments, Rohit Sharma’s experience and captaincy will be key for India to win the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. His sharp thinking and ability to stay cool under pressure help India one step ahead against any team, and fans are excited to see him lead India to even more victories in future ICC tournaments. Under Rohit Sharma, India is not just winning games they are showing how India is dominating the world Cricket

Varun Chakravarthy and India crooned a redemption song on Sunday in Dubai, driving out the specters of the T20 World Cup 2021 by employing spin to tear New Zealand apart in their Group A encounter of the Champions Trophy 2025.

It was a battle between different styles, but India's four-spinner battalion overpowered New Zealand's pace-dominated style on a slow-wicket strip at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

India scored 249 runs in total, of which 124 came against New Zealand's spinners during 25 overs for losing only two wickets. They then defended the par score, courtesy of an awe-inspiring vice-like grip by their spinners. Prompted into the Champions Trophy team at the eleventh hour and given a spot in the XI for India's third Group A match, Varun Chakravarthy played a masterclass of spin bowling. The BlackCaps had no response to his magic, as he grabbed his first five-wicket haul in one-day internationals, rising to the occasion for India at the right time.

TAKE A BOW, VARUN CHAKRAVARTHY. 🙇

He's playing first Match in this Champions Trophy and he picked 5 wicket haul, his bowling figure (42/5) against New Zealand - What a Bowler. pic.twitter.com/eTK02eL5yk

— Tanuj Singh (@ImTanujSingh) March 2, 2025

ALSO SEE: Kane Williamson sets new ODI record for New Zealand against India

Varun Chakravarthy, who was an architect by profession before venturing into the cricketing arena, was wicketless in three matches played during the 2021 T20 World Cup, after which he was inactive for three years. But ever since he joined the senior national team in 2024, there has been no looking back for him.

Having picked up 31 wickets in 12 games in his second phase of T20I cricket, starting in 2024, Varun was added to India's Champions Trophy team. His head coach Gautam Gambhir, who had seen him perform firsthand at Kolkata Knight Riders in 2024, was instrumental in his surprise call-up for the big tournament -- one that was a masterstroke on the grand stage.

Varun was given his ODI debut in a series against England in February but sat on the bench for India's Group A encounters against Bangladesh and Pakistan in the Champions Trophy.

During the India vs New Zealand Group A match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Indian spinners dominated to secure a 44-run win in Dubai to end the group stage on top of the Group A points table. During the second innings, there was a time when the former Indian captain Virat Kohli went to touch Axar Patel's feet. 

On Sunday (March 2), India beat New Zealand by 44 runs. After the Blackcaps captain Mitchell Santner chose to field first, India scored 249/9, while New Zealand were all out for 205 runs. During the first innings, after India went to 30/3 by losing the first three batters, Axar Patel helped Shreyas Iyer to set up the innings. They had a 98-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Patel scored 42 off 61 balls with three fours and one six before Rachin Ravindra dismissed him after Kane Williamson grabbed a good catch.

Indian spinners dominated during New Zealand's innings. Apart from the former captain Kane Williamson, there was no challenge from the Blackcaps batting unit. Williamson scored fighting 81 off 120 balls with seven fours but it wasn't enough for his team. 

See Also: Varun Chakravarthy's Five-Wicket Haul Powers India to Victory in Champions Trophy 2025

Axar Patel dismissed Kane Williamson on his last ball of the match

As usual, Axar Patel bowled really well but didn't pick a wicket before the last over. On his final ball of the match, Williamson went to hit him but completely missed and the wicketkeeper KL Rahul had no chance to make a mistake. It was Patel's only wicket of the match, which was big enough, and he finished with the incredible bowling figures of 10-0-31-1.

Laughing scene: Virat Kohli went to touch Axar Patel's feet

After Williamson's departure, while Patel finished his spell, former Indian captain Virat Kohli went to him and almost touched his feet while Patel quickly held his hand and both laughed at that. 

Kohli touching Axar Patel's feet after he got Williamson out 😭#Kohli #AxarPatel #INDvNZ #ChampionsTrophy2025 pic.twitter.com/mJmgQ95Y15

— voodoo mama juju (@ayotarun) March 2, 2025

India finish on top of the Group A points table in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 after beating New Zealand in the last game of the group stage on Sunday (March 2) in Dubai. 

After New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner chose to bowl first, India scored 249/9 in 50 overs. In reply, New Zealand were all out for 205 runs, as the Men in Blue won by 44 runs. 

ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Semi-final fixtures confirmed

With this result, India finished as the Group A champions with six points, and New Zealand finished in the second place with four points. In the first Semi-final of the tournament, India will face Group B runners-up Australia at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday (March 4). On the other hand, New Zealand will face Group B champions South Africa at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore in Pakistan on Wednesday (March 5). On next Sunday (March 9), the Final will be played either at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium (Dubai) if India qualfiy or Gaddafi Stadium (Lahore) if India fail to qualify. The reserve days are available for both the Semi-finals and the Final. 

Also Watch: Virat Kohli does Cristiano Ronaldo celebration during CT 2025 group stage match against New Zealand

Indian middle-order batters played crucial roles

Coming back to the India vs New Zealand match, India lost their first three batters in seven overs as the Men in Blue were struggling at 30/3. Shreyas Iyer and Axar Patel handled the early situation very well with a 98-run partnership for the fourth wicket. While Patel scored 42 runs, Iyer scored 79 runs. Also, KL Rahul added 23 runs, while Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja had a useful 41-run partnership for the seventh wicket. While Jadeja scored 16 runs, Pandya scored valuable run-a-ball 45 runs to guide the Indian total to a challenging place. 

Among the New Zealand bowlers, pacer Matt Henry claimed a fifer as he had the bowling figures of 8-0-42-5. 

Indian spinners dominated

In reply, New Zealand batters failed to provide solid answers against the Indian bowlers. Especially, the Indian spinners completely controlled the innings with their tight lines, mainly targeting the stumps. Player of the Match Varun Chakravarthy, who made ODI comeback by replacing Harshit Rana, claimed his maiden ODI fifer as he had the bowling figures of 10-0-42-5. Also, Kuldeep Yadav bagged two wickets (2/56), while Hardik Pandya (1/22), Axar Patel (1/32) and Ravindra Jadeja (1/36) had one wicket each.

Only the former skipper Kane Williamson managed to fight against the disciplined Indian bowlers as the right-handed batter recorded his 12th ODI 50+ score against India. He scored 81 off 120 balls but didn't get any strong support. Opener Will Young (22) and the skipper Mitchell Santner (28) were the only other New Zealand batters to reach the 20-run mark. 

Cricket enthusiasts who were left disillusioned by the rain-washed matches in Rawalpindi can now heave a sigh of relief. The Pakistan Cricket Board has announced a complete refund of the two ICC Champions Trophy 2025 matches that were abandoned without any ball being bowled.
Which Matches Are Eligible
The refund is for the Australia vs South Africa match on February twenty-fifth and the Bangladesh vs Pakistan match on February twenty-seventh. Ticket holders for these matches can get their refund from March tenth to March 16 at authorized TCS branches in Pakistan.
Who Can Get a Refund
All general enclosure ticket holders qualify. Hospitality ticket holders, including those in VIP boxes, will not be refunded. The refund can only be claimed by the original ticket holder and not by someone else.

🚨 PCB has announced a full ticket refund for the two matches that were abandoned without a ball being bowled at Rawalpindi Stadium.

- Eligible ticket holders can claim their refund at selected TCS outlets between 10 Mar to 14 Mar. pic.twitter.com/eJYjBbxANS

— 𝙎𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙞 (@CallMeSheri1) March 1, 2025

ALSO SEE: Ranji Trophy 2024-25: Full Summary, Award Winners, and Top Performers

How to Claim Your Refund
If you possess a valid ticket, here is what to do. Go to any of the specified TCS shops in big cities such as Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad. Produce your original, intact ticket to serve as evidence of purchase. Show the ticket to the TCS staff, and they will refund your money.
Where to Go for Refunds
Some of the main TCS centers dealing with refunds are Gulberg Express Center and Thokar Niaz Baig Express Center in Lahore, CAA Head Office Express Center and Ittehad Flagship Express Center in Karachi, and I Nine Express Center in Islamabad. Others are based in Multan, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, and Hyderabad.
To see the complete list of outlets, refer to the PCB website or get details from TCS branches.
Important Notes
Refunds will be made only between March tenth and March 16, and no claims after that will be accepted. The PCB refund policy is strictly for matches that were abandoned before the toss. Make sure your ticket is in good condition, as damaged or photocopied tickets will be refused.
A Small Consolation for Fans
Though fans were dismayed to miss live action because of inclement weather, the refund option is a step in the right direction. Cricket fans now get a chance to have their money back and hopefully watch future matches uninterrupted.
For further updates, follow the PCB's official social media channels and watch out for future Champions Trophy action.

The India vs New Zealand Group A match in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 was a special game for the former Indian captain Virat Kohli. During the second innings of the match, Kohli brought a popular celebration of the legendary Portuguese footballer Cristiano Ronaldo. 

It was the 300th ODI match for Kohli as he became the seventh Indian cricketer to appear in 300 ODIs. However, the last game centurion, Kohli managed to score only 11 runs as Glenn Phillips grabbed a great catch to spoil the former Indian captain's party. India ultimately scored 249/9, thanks to some useful middle-order contributions. 

In reply, New Zealand were never had easy moments as they were bowled out for 205 runs, as India won that fixture by 44 runs. Indian spinners completely dominated with the ball as the Blackcaps had no strong answers.

Also Watch: Anushka Sharma meets with Rohit-Ritika's newborn child

Virat Kohli celebrated like Cristiano Ronaldo

While Indian bowlers were dominating with the ball, Kohli was in great mood on the field. He once had a popular Cristiano Ronaldo celebration for the fans, who enjoyed that. 

VIRAT KOHLI DOING RONALDO CELEBRATION...!!!! 😁🔥 pic.twitter.com/9QwRsiFso7

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) March 2, 2025

ICC Champions Trophy 2025: India will face Australia in the Semi-final

By winning the match, India will face the latest ODI World Cup champions Australia in the first Semi-final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates will host the match on Tuesday (March 4). Meanwhile, Blackcaps will face South Africa in the second Semi-final of the tournament on Wednesday (March 5) in the batting paradise Lahore. The Final match of the tournament will be played on March 9 (in Dubai if India qualify; otherwise in Lahore). 

Former New Zealand captain Kane Williamson set a new ODI record for New Zealand against India after scoring a crucial half-century for his nation in the Group A fixture of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Dubai on Sunday (March 2).

Although both teams have already qualified for the Semi-finals of the tournament, the India vs New Zealand fixture will bring the final story of the Group A points table and also finalise who will face which Group B teams in the Semi-finals. After New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner chose to field first, India scored the challenging total of 249/9 in 50 overs.

In reply, New Zealand openers failed to provide important solid starts. While every Blackcaps batter was struggling, former New Zealand captain Kane Williamson once again played a valuable role. Although he took many balls, the right-handed batter was the main reason for the Kiwis' scoreboard moving in the tricky chase against the Indian top-spinners.  

The latest Champions Trophy half-century was Williamson's 12th 50+ ODI score against India. By surpassing the former Blackcaps star Ross Taylor (11), Williamson now holds the record for most ODI 50+ scores for New Zealand against India. 

Also Watch: Anushka Sharma meets with Rohit-Ritika's newborn child

New Zealand batters with the most ODI 50+ scores against India

Williamson also now holds the record for most 50+ scores by a New Zealander against India in the ICC ODI tournaments, as it was his third 50+ score against India in the ICC tournaments in the ODI formats. 

New Zealanders with multiple 50+ scores against India in the ICC ODI tournaments

Williamson was stumped out in the 41st over as Axar Patel took his wicket after the right-handed batter scored 81 runs off 120 balls.