The Champions Trophy started as ICC knockouts, a brainchild of Jagmohan Dalmiya, to raise funds for the world body and also spread the game to new territories. It came under criticism for format, but survived. The 2013 tournament was well received by fans, giving it a fresh lease of life. Express takes a quick look at the history of the extravaganza...
1998
Host: Bangladesh
Format: Knockout
Winner: South Africa
Tournament held despite Bangladesh suffering one of the worst ever floods.
Bangladesh didn’t participate as it was not a Test-playing nation then.
South Africa beat West Indies in the final. It remains the only ICC tournament won by Proteas.
Most runs: Philo Wallace (221). Most wickets: Jacques Kallis (8)
2000
Host: Kenya
Format: Knockout
Winner: New Zealand
Tournament held in Kenya to boost cricket in the region.
Eleven teams, including Bangladesh and Kenya. Pre-quarterfinal stage held between 6 of the lower-ranked teams.
Till date the only ICC event to be won by New Zealand.
Most runs: Sourav Ganguly
(348). Most wickets: Venkatesh Prasad (8).
2002
Host: Sri Lanka
Format: 4 groups of 3, winners qualify for semis.
Winners: India & Sri Lanka
Event got the name Champions Trophy and a new format.
Sri Lanka hosted after India refused tax exemption.
India and Sri Lanka shared title after final was washed out for two consecutive days.
Most runs: Virender Sehwag
(271). Most wickets: Muttiah Muralitharan (10).
2004
Host: England
Format: Same as 2002
Winner: West Indies
United States, Kenya surprise qualifiers for this tournament.
Bad weather, one-sided matches featuring minnows and poor turnouts affected event.
West Indies beat England for a first ICC trophy after World Cup 1979.
Most runs: Marcus Trescothick (261). Most wickets: Andrew Flintoff (9).
2006
Host: India
Format: Four-team qualifying round, followed by two round-robin groups of four, with winners making semis.
Winner: Australia
Tournament went ahead despite Mumbai train bombings.
Controversy erupted as Australian players told Sharad Pawar to get off the stage so they could celebrate. Skipper Ponting later apologised.
Most runs: Chris Gayle (474). Most wickets: Jerome Taylor (13)
2009
Host: South Africa
Format: 8 sides in 2 round-robin groups of four.
Winner: Australia
Pakistan was set to host in 2008, but it was moved to South Africa the following year due to security fears, breaking the biennial cycle.
Success of inaugural WT20 in 2007 and IPL led to the 2010 CT being converted into another World T20.
Most runs: Ricky Ponting (288). Most wickets: Wayne Parnell (11).
2013
Host: England
Format: Same as 2009.
Winner: India
Supposed to be the last edition, but tournament reinstated next year. Good crowds and TV revenue played a role in the decision.
India beat England in the final shortened to 20 overs. MS Dhoni became the first skipper to win all the major ICC trophies.
Most runs: Shikhar Dhawan (363). Most wickets: Ravindra Jadeja (12).