The ICC Champions Trophy is one of the premier ODI tournaments in the world and comes second to only World Cup in stature. Though Jagmohan Dalmiya is now out of favours but it was he who had envisioned this tournament with an intention to take a major ODI tournament to lesser known ICC member countries in order to promote cricket.

In its inaugural year, October 1998, it was known as ICC Knock Out tournament or Mini World Cup and was held in Bangladesh. Two years later, the venue shifted to Kenya, another lesser known cricketing nation. It was here that India discovered two talented players, who are now integral part of the Indian team — Yuvraj Singh and Zaheer Khan.

Soon, the ICC realised that the tournament has become a major money spinner and therefore it required a bigger stage. In 2002, it was rechristened as Champions Trophy and was held in Sri Lanka. The 2004 edition was held in England and two years later India played the host.

In its earlier form, the tournament saw all 10 full ICC members taking part along with two associate members. The trend continued till the first four editions. However, in 2009, only the top eight ODI teams will be vying for the Champions Trophy.