Why ICC Champions Trophy did not take place in 2021 after Pakistan won the title? Here's all you need to know

When the first edition of ICC Champions Trophy aka the mini-World Cup was held in 1998, it served a purpose for the apex cricket board. The then-ICC chairperson Jagmohan Dalmiya wanted to raise funds to spread the game to other countries and it did exactly that. However, with the advent of T20 cricket and its popularity growing with leagues around the world, the 'why there is a need for a Champions Trophy?' calls grew louder. The eight-team event is almost a compact World Cup in the 50-over format whose relevance has been extensively scrutinised. After Pakistan won the title in 2017 by beating India in the final, the subsequent edition was cancelled. ICC consulted all the boards involved and the decision was taken as there were logistics reasons behind it.  

Instead of Champions Trophy 2021, the ICC T20 World Cup which was postponed a year due to Covid-19 pandemic took place that year. The T20 World Cup was expanded to a 16-team event. 

India could not host the mega event due to Covid-19 outbreak. They were knocked out of the tournament at the group stage after losses to Pakistan and New Zealand. Australia beat New Zealand in the final to win their maiden T20 World Cup title. 

ALSO READ: 'I had an offer from KKR, but I refused, saying I...': Wriddhiman Saha reveals reason behind not joining IPL 2024-winning franchise

Discussion over Champions Trophy's conversion to T20 format

Meanwhile, there were calls to convert it into T20 format. In 2024, the possibility was discussed in ICC meeting in Dubai headquarters. The main reason behind it was the declined viewership in ODIs by a whopping 20 per cent since the ODI World Cup 2019. The probable change in format increased the tournament's appeal especially to the broadcasters. However, in the end, it was decided that Champions Trophy will be played in T20 format only. 

ALSO READ: 'He is not an ordinary Ranji Trophy bowler': R Ashwin lauds Himanshu Sangwan who dismissed Virat Kohli on Ranji return

The way forward

The upcoming Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan and UAE will play a major role in deciding whether it retains the 50-over format or not. If the viewership drops, it will once again reignite the debate to hold the Champions Trophy in T20 format, restricting the ODI format to just one mega event. 

The next edition of Champions Trophy will be held by India in 2029. It will be interesting which format the Champions Trophy will adopt four years later considering T20 cricket pleases the broadcasters and other stakeholders.