The Champions Trophy, a premier international cricket tournament, has a rich history that spans over two and a half decades. The first edition of the tournament was played approximately 27 years ago, under the name ICC Knockout Trophy. Over the years, the tournament has undergone a name change, and its prize money has seen a significant increase. The first team to win the Champions Trophy, South Africa, took home a prize of $1 million, which is equivalent to around 6.5 crore Indian rupees.
Fast-forward to the present, and the prize money for the Champions Trophy has increased substantially. The team that wins the tournament this year will receive a whopping 19.5 crore rupees, a significant jump from the initial prize money. The runner-up team will receive 9.78 crore rupees, while the teams that lose in the semi-finals, such as Australia and South Africa, will take home 4.89 crore rupees each. The teams that finish fifth and sixth will receive 3 crore rupees each.
It’s worth noting that the Indian team has had its share of successes in the Champions Trophy, winning the tournament in 2013 under the leadership of Mahendra Singh Dhoni. Although they lost in the final of the 2017 edition, they have a chance to claim their third title by defeating New Zealand. The Indian team has been a consistent performer in the tournament, having also reached the final in 2000 and being crowned joint winners in 2022 with Sri Lanka. With their sights set on a third title, the Indian team will be looking to make the most of this opportunity.
As we look back at the history of the Champions Trophy, it’s fascinating to see how the tournament has evolved over the years. From its inception as the ICC Knockout Trophy to its current status as one of the most prestigious tournaments in international cricket, the Champions Trophy has come a long way. With the stakes higher than ever, the teams participating in the tournament will be giving it their all to take home the coveted title and the prize money that comes with it. The question on everyone’s mind is, which team will emerge victorious and take home the coveted Champions Trophy? Only time will tell.