Why is the Champions Trophy called the Mini World Cup?

Almost every year, ICC conducts tournaments in which the best teams across the globe participate. These tournaments are the T20 World Cup, One Day World Cup, Test Championship  and Champions Trophy (formerly known as ICC KnockOut Trophy). The Champions Trophy returned in 2025 after an eight-year gap. Pakistan was the primary host, while India's matches, including the final, were staged in Dubai under the tournament's hybrid arrangement. 

Last updated: October 7, 2026

The Champions Trophy was first played in 1998 in Bangladesh and until 2006, it was held every two years but after that it was organized every 4 years. It is a 50 over tournament, where eight teams compete against each other in round robin and knock out format. Its qualification criteria is quite simple as top 8 teams in ICC Men’s ODI Team Rankings are eligible to participate. However, between 2002 and 2004, 12 teams played a round robin tournament in four pools of three with each top team moving to semi finals.

The Champions Trophy is called the mini World Cup because it is similar to it but slightly shorter. The number of participating teams are also narrowed down. The 2025 edition featured 15 matches across Pakistan and Dubai. 

Past records in Champions Trophy 

Current Champion: Pakistan 

Most successful teams: Australia and India two each

Most runs: Chris Gayle (West Indies) (791 runs)

Most wickets: Kyle Mills (New Zealand)(28)

Highest partnership: Shane Watson and Ricky Ponting (252)

Most runs in a tournament: Chris Gayle (474)

Best bowling figures: Farveez Maharoof (Sri Lanka) (6/14)

Most catches: Mahela Jayawardene (15)

Highest team total: New Zealand V United States (347/4)

Lowest team total: United States V Australia (65)

Winners of Champions Trophy 

India at the 2025 Champions Trophy

India turned the pre-tournament expectation into a title-winning campaign. Rohit Sharma's side went unbeaten and defeated New Zealand by four wickets in the final in Dubai.

New Zealand made 251/7 before India reached 254/6 in 49 overs. Rohit scored 76 and was Player of the Match, while KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja completed the chase.

The win made India the first team to win the Champions Trophy three times, adding the 2025 title to 2002 (shared with Sri Lanka) and 2013.