The Champions Trophy has always been cricket’s tournament of contrasts — smaller than a World Cup, but no less fiercely contested. Here is where things stand after the dramatic 2025 edition and what is coming next.
## How India Won the 2025 Title
The ninth Champions Trophy was hosted by Pakistan in February-March 2025, though India’s matches were shifted to the United Arab Emirates because of the ongoing boycott between the two boards. That hybrid arrangement did nothing to slow India down. Rohit Sharma’s side went unbeaten through the tournament and beat New Zealand in the final to lift their third Champions Trophy title, with Rachin Ravindra earning player of the series for his 263 runs.
## The Hybrid Model Is Here to Stay
That split-hosting arrangement, formalised at ICC board level, is not a one-off. The same model was used for the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup, where Pakistan’s matches were relocated to Sri Lanka, and reports suggest it will apply again when India hosts the 2029 Champions Trophy, with Pakistan’s group games likely moved to a neutral venue.
## Looking Ahead to 2029
– **Host:** India, staging its third ICC global event in the 2024-31 cycle alongside the 2026 T20 World Cup and 2031 ODI World Cup
– **Format:** Eight teams, following the streamlined structure introduced in 2025
– **Timing:** October 2029, per the ICC’s Future Tours Programme
Speculation earlier in 2026 suggested the ICC might shift the 2029 Champions Trophy and 2031 World Cup away from India over security concerns, but no official statement has backed that up, and most cricket journalists have dismissed the reports as unfounded.
## Why the Tournament Still Matters
With the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup expanding to 14 teams for its [2027 edition in Africa](/icc-cricket-world-cup-2027-schedule-guide), the eight-team Champions Trophy remains the format’s premium event — a genuine “no easy games” tournament that rewards consistency over depth. For teams building toward 2029, results in the current [ICC Test Championship Points Table](/icc-test-championship-points-table) and ODI rankings will shape seeding long before a ball is bowled in India.
Expect official venue announcements and a full schedule to follow closer to the tournament, in line with how the ICC handled the 2025 edition.