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!

Harsh Dubey is a name that has been making headlines in Indian domestic cricket. A left-arm spinner and all-rounder from Vidarbha, he made news with his record-breaking Ranji Trophy 2024-25 season, when he created a new record for the most wickets in a season. His regular performances have got cricket enthusiasts and experts sitting up and taking notice, and several feel that he may be playing at the top level very soon.

Who is Harsh Dubey?

Harsh Dubey was born on July 23, 2002, in Pune, Maharashtra. He fell in love with cricket at a young age. His hard work and talent made him play for Vidarbha Cricket Team in domestic cricket, where he has impressed with his bowling as well as batting.

Harsh Dubey's Cricket Career

First-Class (Ranji Trophy) Performance:

• Matches: 18
• Wickets Taken: 97
• Best Bowling Figures: 6/36
• Bowling Average: 19.98
• Runs Scored: 709
• Highest Score: 76

List A and T20 Cricket:

• List A Matches: 20
• Wickets Taken: 21
• Runs Scored: 213
• T20 Matches: 16
• T20 Wickets: 9

Shattering Records in the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy

The 2024-25 Ranji Trophy season was a turning point for Dubey. He took 69 wickets, setting a new record for most wickets in a season, eclipsing Ashutosh Aman's previous record of 68 wickets. His unforgettable bowling performances played a crucial role in Vidarbha winning the title, proving that he is a match-winner.

Also see : Ranji Trophy 2025 Final: Kerala vs Vidarbha: A Thrilling Contest in Nagpur

Training with Ravichandran Ashwin

Harsh Dubey honed his bowling skills under the guidance of Ravichandran Ashwin while playing club cricket in Chennai. His coaching under Ashwin helped him to perfect variations and match sense, and thus he turned into a more feared bowler.

Harsh Dubey's Future in Cricket

With his ability and regular performances, Harsh Dubey is regarded as a future India player. He is also a good bet for the Indian Premier League (IPL), where teams are constantly looking for quality spin bowlers.

Harsh Dubey's path from a young hopeful cricketer to a record-shattering Ranji Trophy player is motivational. His skill to take wickets when the pressure is on and also score runs with the bat makes him a must-have player for any team. Be it IPL or the Indian national team, Dubey's future seems promising, and Indian cricket enthusiasts must watch out for this new talent.

Also Read : 

Ranji Trophy 2025 Final: Kerala vs Vidarbha: A Thrilling Contest in Nagpur

 The Ultimate Crossover That Happened To Exist--

Although cricket and anime seem to be at the opposite ends of the spectrum, let's face the truth there are already several cricketers who are personifications of certain iconic anime characters in and out of the field.

These cricket stars, with their incredible skills and unique playing styles, some of these cricket stars might just be great heroes/villains in a new anime series. Imagine a world where cricket and anime collide, where some cricketers resemble anime heroes and villains alike.

1. Virat Kohli as Naruto Uzumaki

Famous anime character Naruto Uzumaki is a perfect example of somebody with burning passion, drive and never say die attitude. Virat Kohli, star of Indian cricket team same characters in him like those of an Indian cricket teams. Naruto-like perseverance; Kohli has often been painted performing against the odds. His power powered strokeplay, competitive nature and leadership are fitting to turn Naruto. Like Naruto always fighting to be the best, so has Kohli in his journey to become one of the top world cricket player.

2. MS Dhoni as Goku

MS Dhoni, India's erstwhile captain in calmness & strategic mind similar to Dragon Ball Z character Goku. Just like Goku the God warrior that can always maintain his cool under pressure and continue striving for self development in every aspect; Dhoni's coolness on field is the real thing. To me, the way Dhoni leads the team under stress particularly in the death overs is very much like Goku leading from front in climax battles. Moreover, they are both equally humble folks who will always back it up with their actions.

3.AB de Villiers as Luffy

 AB de villiers the instable cricketer of South Africa who bats in the extreme end, similar to Odessey and the Sea Monkey D. Luffy from one piece in the qualities he is full creative, adventurous and has zero regard for the known methods as he always surprises our opponents with his own take on fighting. Like Luffy at the sea — AB de Villiers with his form changing play continues to bring unpredictability and sheer fun to cricket.

ALSO READ:-Cricket who are the Goku, Naruto and Luffy?

4. Kane Williamson as Sasuke Uchiha

Kane Williamson, current captain of New Zealand's cricket team bears resemblance to Sasuke Uchiha from Naruto. They are both very collected and reflective by nature — both characters. Although Williamson's classed calm determination and high school baseball helps come the mental approach of Sasuke and his concentration in high stake moments makes them equal tough players. Sasuke is really no different than the New-standards Williamson is up against in international hockey.

5.Chris Gayle as All Might

All Might from my hero academia, the super hero in Homura's ring so it has to be the West Indian powerhouse Chris Gayle West Indian super-batting macho man bakabombay Gayle with his massive sixes has an All Might like handsome with cruelty personality in real world. Both have their place in the hearts of fans, one for the confidence Gayle some how manages too deliver when it’s time. Gayle and All Might just blow away in their respective stories like demolition in real life.

There are some incredible cricket players, and no surprise their fans love to compare them to popular anime characters. Comparisons gives you about the qualities in a player like their strength determination and style. So who do you think might be Goku, Naruto and Luffy of this cricket world?

1.MS Dhoni Goku

Goku is strong and has the cool head in the face of danger, leader of Dragon Ball Z. MS Dhoni as per GokuSimilar. He is the heart and soul of India, many victories under his cool and calculated leadership. Dhoni always remains calm under pressure with a mentality that us Goku in every battle. If India faces problem Dhoni come out and win the match for his team, same like Goku solve any problems.

2.Virat Kohli as Naruto

The Naruto Signature over here; Hard work, dedication and determination. He never dies, when the heat is turned up high. Virat Kohli of many ways resembles Naruto. He trains hard everyday and plays very hard too, always striving to get better. Virat Kohli's journey in cricket teaches us just like Naruto became a one and only strong ninja with the right amount of dedication and hard work. A perfect Naruto, Kohli’s on field intensity and fire with the guy.

3.AB de Villiers as Luffy

One Piece's Luffy is a character who loves adventure. He is always up for a challenge and loves every bit of it. AB de Villiers is similar to Luffy when he plays cricket. With his aggressive batting style, de Villiers loves to play the game on the front foot and thrill the crowd. He is always ready to experiment with new things, as Luffy does in pursuit of adventure. Whether he is smashing huge sixes or facing challenging bowling attacks, AB de Villiers is always up for the challenge, as is Luffy's never-ending adventures.

ALSO READ:-IND vs BAN Champions Trophy Live Streaming: Where & How to Watch the Match Online & on TV