The ICC Champions Trophy, which was played between 1998 and 2017, was one of cricket's prestigious limited-overs tournaments. Here are a few lesser-known facts about it:
1. It was originally known as the ICC KnockOut: The tournament was first held in 1998 under the name ICC KnockOut. It featured the top teams from the world, and the format was a one-off knockout event. The tournament was rebranded as the ICC Champions Trophy in 2002.
2. Inaugural ICC champions Trophy Winner: The first edition in 1998, held in Dhaka, Bangladesh, was won by South Africa, who defeated West Indies in the final. Despite this victory, the tournament's format and its significance were not fully established yet.
3. Not Always a 50-Over Event: Though it was primarily a 50-over competition, the 2000 edition of the ICC Champions Trophy was played in the 50-over format, but there were experiments in the early years with alternative formats.
4. Champion Teams: The tournament was played just seven times, and three different teams dominated: India, India (twice in 2002 and 2013), and Pakistan (2004), along with other finalists like South Africa and England.
5. The 2004 Controversy: The 2004 Champions Trophy final between West Indies and India faced a rain interruption that led to a controversial finish. The game was played in a shortened format, causing confusion and frustration among players and fans.
6. Shortest Ever Final: The final between India and England in 2013 was the shortest in history due to a rain delay. The match was reduced to just 20 overs a side. India won the match by 5 runs to lift ICC champions trophy 2013
7. The Last Edition (2017): The final edition of the ICC Champions Trophy, played in 2017, saw Pakistan claim its first Champions Trophy title by defeating India in a one-sided final. This was a memorable moment, as Pakistan’s triumph was unexpected by many.
8. Host Nations: Unlike other ICC events, the Champions Trophy often featured a diverse set of host nations. From Dhaka in 1998 to the UK in 2017, it was played in a variety of countries, helping bring the event to global audiences.
9. Short-Lived Format: Despite being a prestigious tournament with top teams competing, the Champions Trophy only lasted for a span of 19 years. It was eventually discontinued in favor of a more focused, expanded ICC World Cup cycle.
10. Fastest Century in Champions Trophy: The record for the fastest century in ICC Champions Trophy is held by Virender Sehwag 100 runs in just 77 balls against England in 2002 ICC champions trophy.
These facts highlight the unique moments in the history of the ICC Champions Trophy, showing how it evolved and made an impact on world cricket!
Comments
Post a Comment