Why and how did the Champions Trophy begin?

The much-awaited ICC Champions Trophy is set to commence on February 19, with host Pakistan facing New Zealand in Karachi. This marquee event will feature the top eight ODI teams and mark the tournament’s ninth edition, returning for the first time since 2017, when Pakistan clinched the title after defeating arch-rival India.

How did the tournament begin?
This prestigious tournament was originally introduced as the ICC Knockout Trophy in 1998. The International Cricket Council (ICC) devised the concept to feature the top eight teams, aiming to generate funds for the development and promotion of cricket in non-Test-playing nations.


The first Champions Trophy took place in Bangladesh in 1998, followed by the next edition in Kenya - both ICC Associate Members, in an effort to promote cricket in these nations. However, in 2002, the ICC revised the format, introducing a rotational hosting system among Full Member nations.

Changes in qualification format
The qualification process for the Champions Trophy has evolved over the years. Initially, the top eight-ranked ODI teams were selected for the tournament. However, the current format now features teams that finished at the top in the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup. As a result, West Indies and Sri Lanka failed to qualify for this edition.

The 2025 Champions Trophy is divided into two groups:

Group A: Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and New Zealand
Group B: Australia (ODI World Cup champions), Afghanistan, England, and South Africa

One of the most intriguing storylines will be Afghanistan’s debut in the Champions Trophy. The talented Afghan squad made a strong impression in the 2023 ODI World Cup, defeating England, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, and will once again look to prove themselves on the global stage.

With the world’s top teams battling it out, cricket fans can expect some edge-of-the-seat thrilling contests and career-defining performances from top contenders.