The ICC Champions Trophy is one of the most celebrated tournaments in world cricket, known for its fierce competition and memorable moments. However, many cricket fans may not be aware that the tournament had a different name when it was first introduced and underwent two name change before getting its final name. Initially called the ICC KnockOut Trophy, the showpiece tournament has undergone significant changes over time, both in name and format.
The tournament's inception dates back to 1998, when the International Cricket Council (ICC) decided to organise a standalone competition featuring the top cricketing nations. The idea was to have an exclusive event with the world's best teams to compete for a single title. The first edition of the tournament, held in Dhaka, Bangladesh, was called the 'International Cup' and featured a unique knockout format, where every match was do-or-die. It was designed as a one-off event, and only the top cricketing nations were invited to participate. South Africa ended up winning the title by beating West Indies in the final. However, in the next edition in 2000 it was renamed as ICC KnockOut Trophy. But the top tournament had to go through a name change one more time.
The success of the first tournament prompted the ICC to hold the event regularly, but it wasn’t until 2002 that the competition’s name was changed to the ICC Champions Trophy. This rebranding aligned with the tournament's growing stature and its focus on bringing together the best cricketing nations to compete for a prestigious title. The format of the tournament has also evolved, with the number of participating teams varying between eight and 10, and the competition being staged every four years.
The tournament continued under this name until 2017 when it was discontinued. However, due to its popularity and the desire to streamline ICC events, the Champions Trophy was revived in 2021 with the 2025 edition being the first since its return.
As the tournament continued, it became one of the major events in the world cricket calendar, often seen as a precursor to the ICC Cricket World Cup. Many of the sport's biggest names have etched their mark in Champions Trophy history, with teams like India, Pakistan, and South Africa enjoying triumphs in the tournament.
The Champions Trophy, though now concluded, left behind a rich legacy. The tournament’s transformation from the ICC KnockOut to its final edition showcased how it grew into a prestigious event. Its legacy lives on through the intensity and excitement it brought to cricket fans around the world, a reminder of the fierce competition and high stakes that characterise global cricket tournaments.
Notably India and Australia are the teams who have the record of winning most Champions Trophy title, i.e two. Champions Trophy is back again with its pomp and show to entertain the cricket fans across the globe. Champions Trophy 2025 is set to kick off from February 18 and will culminate on March 9.