The ICC Champions Trophy is an international cricket tournament organized by the International Cricket Council (ICC), featuring the top-ranked ODI teams. Initially introduced in 1998 as the ICC KnockOut Tournament, it was later rebranded as the Champions Trophy. Unlike the ICC Cricket World Cup, which includes more teams and a longer format, the Champions Trophy is a shorter, high-intensity competition, making it one of the most prestigious limited-overs tournaments.
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to make a grand return after an eight-year gap, with Pakistan and UAE hosting the prestigious ODI tournament. Scheduled to feature the top eight teams based on ICC rankings, the competition will follow a high-intensity format, bringing together the best in the world for a thrilling contest. This will be Pakistan’s first major ICC event as hosts since 1996, adding historical significance to the tournament.
Here’s a list of the top 5 run scorers in ICC Champions Trophy history:
1: Chris Gayle
One of the most destructive opening batsmen in cricket history, Chris Gayle finds himself on the top of the list, scoring 791 runs in 17 matches. The left-hander’s strength lies in his fearless hitting, often clearing boundaries with ease. His hand-eye coordination, quick reflexes, and immense strength make him a nightmare for bowlers in limited-overs cricket. He was known for his aggressive stroke play, brute power, and ability to dominate bowling attacks from the outset.
Gayle’s explosive starts provided West Indies with a strong foundation, and his ability to accelerate rapidly helped his team gain an upper hand in many matches. His strike rate and six-hitting ability made him a game-changer in the tournament.
2: Mahela Jayawardene
One of the classiest batters in cricket history, Mahela Jayawardene performed for the Sri Lankan team with his graceful batting style, impeccable timing, and unmatched ability to build an innings. He managed to score a total of 742 runs in 22 matches. His calm demeanor and cricketing intelligence allowed him to anchor Sri Lanka’s batting lineup while also accelerating when needed.
Jayawardene was a master at handling pressure situations and played several match-winning knocks in the Champions Trophy. His ability to read the game and adapt to different conditions made him one of Sri Lanka’s most dependable batsmen in ICC tournaments.
3: Shikhar Dhawan
One of India’s finest openers in white ball cricket, Shikhar Dhawan solidified his position by performing for the Indian side in ICC tournaments. He managed to score a total of 701 runs in 10 matches. His aggressive yet controlled batting style, combined with strong wrist work and excellent timing, makes him a formidable opponent in big tournaments.
Dhawan’s success in the Champions Trophy stems from his ability to dominate both pace and spin while playing fearless yet calculated cricket. His knack for scoring big runs in pressure situations, along with his attacking approach in the powerplay, helped India in crucial games.
4: Kumar Sangakkara
Prolific run-scorer, Kumar Sangakkara was a strategic thinker and a great leader on the field for the Sri Lankan side. He managed to score a total of 683 runs in 22 matches. A technically sound batsman, he possessed a wide range of shots and an exceptional ability to rotate the strike, keeping the scoreboard ticking. His adaptability allowed him to play both attacking and defensive roles, depending on the match situation.
As a wicketkeeper-batsman, Sangakkara brought balance to the Sri Lankan team, and his calm presence under pressure was invaluable.
5: Sourav Ganguly
Prince of Indian cricket, Sourav Ganguly was one of India’s finest left-handed batsmen and an inspiring captain. His aggressive batting style, especially against fast bowlers, made him a dominant force at the top of the order. He managed to score a total of 665 runs in 13 matches. Ganguly’s ability to loft the ball over the infield and his signature off-side stroke play were key assets in his game.
He played a crucial role in India’s success in ICC tournaments, including the Champions Trophy, where he scored heavily and led from the front.
