The ICC Champions Trophy, often referred to as the “Mini World Cup,” has been a marquee event in international cricket since its inception in 1998. Originally created to promote the sport in non-traditional cricketing nations, it quickly evolved into a prestigious tournament featuring the world’s top eight cricket teams.
The inaugural edition, held in Bangladesh, was called the “ICC KnockOut Trophy.” South Africa emerged victorious, defeating the West Indies in the final, marking their first major ICC trophy. The format initially featured knockout matches, adding to the unpredictability and excitement of the competition.
In 2002, the tournament was renamed the ICC Champions Trophy and shared its first-ever joint winners when India and Sri Lanka were declared co-champions after rain disrupted the final in Colombo. Over the years, the Champions Trophy shifted to a round-robin format, followed by knockout stages, making it more competitive and engaging.
Australia dominated the tournament in 2006 and 2009, winning back-to-back titles under Ricky Ponting’s captaincy. However, one of the most memorable editions came in 2013 when India, led by MS Dhoni, defeated England in a rain-affected final to secure their second Champions Trophy title.
The last edition, held in 2017 in England, saw Pakistan clinch their first ICC Champions Trophy title by defeating arch-rivals India in a thrilling final at The Oval. Fakhar Zaman’s stunning century and Mohammad Amir’s fiery spell etched the match into cricketing history.
The Champions Trophy has been a stage for intense rivalries and incredible performances, showcasing cricket’s global appeal. However, the tournament has also faced its share of uncertainties, with the ICC contemplating its discontinuation in favor of other formats.
Despite its ups and downs, the ICC Champions Trophy remains a cherished event for cricket fans worldwide, celebrated for its high-stakes matches and the opportunity for teams to claim bragging rights among the world’s elite.
As the ICC plans its revival for 2025, fans eagerly await the return of this iconic tournament, which promises to deliver more unforgettable moments in cricket history. This year’s tournament will take place on February 25th with Hybrid Model.
What is ‘Hybrid Model’?
Hybrid Model is a relatively new rule set in cricket. It has been in discussion this past year due to the Asia Cup 2023 controversy between India-Pakistan.
If there is a tournament in Pakistan, India will not go. India’s all match will be held in another country’s. They will be hosted by Pakistan and Pakistan will get all the financial benefits. Such a system was a hybrid model.
