Why the ICC Discontinued the Champions Trophy — and Why It’s Returning

The ICC Champions Trophy has long held a special place in cricket’s calendar. Known as the “mini World Cup,” it was conceived as a high-intensity tournament where only the best one-day international teams competed. Unlike the World Cup, which spans six to seven weeks, the Champions Trophy provided a condensed version of elite cricket, where every match carried knockout-like importance.

Yet, after the 2017 edition in England and Wales, the International Cricket Council (ICC) announced that the Champions Trophy would be discontinued. Many fans were disappointed, as the competition had delivered some of the most thrilling moments in one-day cricket. At the time, the ICC prioritised other formats, leaving the Trophy to disappear quietly.

In a surprising turn, however, the ICC reinstated the Champions Trophy into its 2024–2031 events cycle. The tournament was scheduled to return in 2025, hosted by Pakistan. This decision has reignited debate about its value, why it was discontinued, and why it is being revived. Understanding both sides of the story reveals much about the evolving world of international cricket.

The Rise of the Champions Trophy

The Champions Trophy was first staged in 1998, originally called the ICC KnockOut Trophy. Hosted in Dhaka, Bangladesh, it was created as a short, sharp tournament that could raise funds for the global development of cricket while providing fans with a concentrated burst of world-class action. The inaugural edition followed a straight knockout format, with South Africa emerging as the winner.

By 2002, the event was rebranded as the ICC Champions Trophy. That year in Sri Lanka, the tournament introduced group stages alongside the knockouts, providing each team with at least two matches. The final, however, produced one of the most unusual results in cricket history, as heavy rain led to India and Sri Lanka being declared joint winners.

Throughout the 2000s, the Champions Trophy became an important fixture in the ICC calendar. It filled the gaps between World Cups, offered nations a chance to win silverware, and produced legendary matches. For fans, it was a tournament of pure quality. Every edition featured the top-ranked teams, ensuring that no fixture felt like a mismatch. By the late 2000s, it had secured its reputation as one of the ICC’s premier events.

Why the ICC Discontinued the Champions Trophy

Despite its popularity, the ICC made the decision to discontinue the Champions Trophy after 2017. Several reasons drove this move, each tied to the broader changes in cricket.

First, there was the perception of duplication with the Cricket World Cup. Both tournaments were contested in the one-day format, both crowned a global champion, and both involved the same top teams. Critics within the ICC argued that the Champions Trophy was unnecessary, especially given the World Cup’s unmatched prestige.

Second, scheduling was becoming increasingly complex. The international cricket calendar was already congested, with bilateral series, World Cups, and the growing popularity of T20 leagues. Finding space for another global tournament became harder. The Champions Trophy’s timing often overlapped with other priorities, creating logistical headaches for boards and broadcasters alike.

Third, the commercial landscape was shifting. With the rapid rise of T20 cricket and the success of the T20 World Cup, the ICC began prioritising shorter formats. T20 was seen as the future of global expansion, particularly in new markets, and therefore a more lucrative product. By comparison, the Champions Trophy seemed less financially appealing.

Finally, the ICC announced a policy of having “one major tournament per format.” For Tests, this meant the World Test Championship; for T20s, the T20 World Cup; and for ODIs, the 50-over World Cup. Within this vision, there was no room for the Champions Trophy. Despite its intensity and popularity, it was sidelined as the ICC sought clarity in its global events cycle.

The Last Edition: 2017 in England

The 2017 ICC Champions Trophy in England and Wales was both a celebration and, at the time, a farewell. The tournament featured memorable performances throughout, culminating in one of the most iconic finals in ICC history.

That final, between India and Pakistan at The Oval, is remembered as one of cricket’s greatest matches. Pakistan, seen as underdogs, stunned the world with a commanding 180-run victory. Fakhar Zaman’s brilliant century and Mohammad Amir’s devastating new-ball spell turned the game decisively in Pakistan’s favour. For Pakistan, it was their first Champions Trophy triumph, and the victory resonated far beyond the cricket field.

The edition was hailed as one of the most entertaining in the tournament’s history, but it was also its endpoint. Shortly after, the ICC confirmed that the Champions Trophy would be discontinued. Many fans felt a sense of loss, as the tournament had once again proven its ability to produce drama and excitement. Its ending seemed at odds with its enduring appeal.

The Gap Years: 2018–2024

In the years following 2017, the Champions Trophy was absent from the cricketing calendar. Instead, the ICC focused on the T20 World Cup and the expanded ODI World Cup. The idea was to streamline major events while embracing the commercial pull of the shortest format.

During this time, the T20 World Cup grew rapidly in popularity, attracting new audiences and markets. The ODI World Cup retained its prestige but became more exclusive, with a smaller number of teams. These shifts kept cricket in the spotlight, but something felt missing.

Fans voiced criticism about losing the Champions Trophy’s unique format. The compact, two-to-three-week schedule with only top-ranked teams had offered a different kind of intensity. Without it, many felt the ODI game had lost one of its sharpest competitions.

The gap years also coincided with growing debates about the future of ODI cricket. With the rise of T20 leagues around the world, questions were asked about whether the 50-over game still had a place. The absence of the Champions Trophy amplified these concerns, as one of ODI cricket’s flagship events had been shelved.

Why the Champions Trophy is Returning in 2025

Despite being discontinued, the Champions Trophy is now set to return in 2025. Several factors contributed to this revival.

First, the ICC identified a gap in its event calendar. With fewer global tournaments in certain years, bringing back the Champions Trophy offered a way to fill that void while providing boards with valuable revenue streams.

Second, commercial considerations played a major role. The Champions Trophy may be shorter than the World Cup, but it remains highly marketable. Sponsors and broadcasters value its format because every game is a high-profile clash. In 2025, the prize pool was expanded, reflecting the financial confidence placed in the tournament.

Third, the Champions Trophy helps restore prestige to the ODI format. At a time when T20 dominates headlines, the Trophy demonstrates that 50-over cricket can still capture imaginations. Its return provides balance to the ICC’s event cycle, ensuring that ODIs remain relevant.

Finally, fan demand was a crucial factor. The absence of the Trophy was keenly felt, particularly in countries where rivalries like India versus Pakistan are marquee attractions. By reviving the event, the ICC responded to global calls for more high-stakes ODI contests.

Together, these reasons explain why the Champions Trophy is once again part of the ICC’s long-term vision.

Pakistan as Host Nation for 2025

The 2025 edition adds another layer of significance, as it is scheduled to be hosted by Pakistan. For Pakistan cricket, this represents a landmark moment. It is the first time in decades that the country has been awarded hosting rights for a major ICC event, symbolising its return to the forefront of international cricket.

However, political challenges remain, particularly concerning India’s participation. Relations between the two nations meant that a hybrid hosting model had to be developed, with India’s matches being played in Dubai. While unconventional, this solution ensured that the tournament could proceed without compromising on the marquee India-Pakistan rivalry.

For Pakistan, hosting the Champions Trophy is about more than cricket. It signals renewed trust in the nation’s ability to stage major events and provides a showcase for its stadiums and fans. The return of the Trophy in Pakistan is therefore historic, carrying symbolic as well as sporting weight.

What’s Different This Time Around

The Champions Trophy’s 2025 return comes with several notable changes that set it apart from earlier editions.

One difference is the ICC’s rebranding strategy. The tournament has been given a refreshed visual identity, with modern graphics, logos, and digital campaigns aimed at younger audiences. The ICC is positioning the event as a premium ODI property, distinct yet complementary to the World Cup.

Another change is the expanded prize pool. Compared to 2017, the financial rewards for teams and players are significantly higher. This increase reflects the ICC’s recognition of the Trophy’s commercial potential and its commitment to making it a headline event once again.

The media and fan engagement strategy has also evolved. With social media now central to global sports marketing, the ICC has invested heavily in interactive campaigns, digital highlights, and live-streaming innovations. This ensures the Champions Trophy will not only attract traditional audiences but also engage new generations of fans.

These updates are designed to make the Champions Trophy feel both familiar and fresh. Its format remains intense and compact, but its presentation has been modernised for a global audience.

The Future of the Champions Trophy Beyond 2025

Looking beyond 2025, the Champions Trophy is now firmly embedded in the ICC’s events schedule through 2031. This suggests that the tournament is likely to feature in at least two more cycles, possibly with further innovations.

Its future role will be to complement the World Cup and T20 World Cup, offering balance in a crowded cricket calendar. For the ODI format, it will be especially important. As debates continue about the place of 50-over cricket, the Trophy provides a showcase that can reaffirm its relevance.

The Champions Trophy may also evolve further, with discussions around venues, formats, and participation likely to continue. What is clear is that the ICC recognises its value as both a commercial property and a sporting tradition.

Timeline of the Champions Trophy

Conclusion

The ICC discontinued the Champions Trophy after 2017, citing duplication with the World Cup, scheduling pressures, and the rise of T20 cricket. For nearly a decade, the tournament disappeared from the calendar, leaving fans nostalgic for its unique mix of intensity and prestige.

Now, in 2025, the Champions Trophy is back, driven by commercial opportunity, fan demand, and a renewed desire to give ODIs a stage of their own. Hosted by Pakistan and supported by a modernised presentation, the tournament is set to reclaim its place in cricket’s story.

The history of the Champions Trophy shows that cricket evolves, but some traditions endure. Its return proves that the hunger for high-stakes one-day competition remains strong, ensuring the tournament will continue to matter for years to come.