As cricket enthusiasts gear up for the much-anticipated return of the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025, to be hosted in Pakistan, it’s an opportune moment to reflect on the players who have left an indelible mark on this prestigious tournament.
The Player of the Match (POTM) award signifies individual brilliance that often turns the tide of a match.
Here, we celebrate five retired cricketers who excelled, securing the most POTM awards in the Champions Trophy’s history.
Chris Gayle – 5 POTM in 14 Matches
Chris Gayle, known as the ‘Universe Boss’, was a force to be reckoned with in T20 cricket, but his performances in the Champions Trophy were equally spectacular.
Over the course of 14 matches, Gayle managed to bag 5 POTM awards, a testament to his ability to dominate with both bat and occasionally with his off-spin.
Gayle’s contribution to West Indies cricket in this tournament included match-defining innings, where he showcased his power-hitting, often leading his team from the front when they needed it the most.
His ability to change the game’s momentum with his aggressive style made him a key player in the Champions Trophy, leaving fans and opponents in awe.
Stephen Fleming – 3 POTM in 13 Matches
Stephen Fleming, the former New Zealand captain, was known for his strategic acumen and calm demeanor on the field.
In the Champions Trophy, he proved his mettle by securing 3 POTM awards in 13 matches.
Fleming’s contributions were not always about the highest scores or fastest centuries but rather about anchoring the innings or making crucial decisions as a captain.
His leadership was pivotal in New Zealand’s campaigns, where his tactical nous often outsmarted the opposition.
His ability to read the game and perform under pressure was what made him a standout performer in this competition.
Jacques Kallis – 3 POTM in 14 Matches
Jacques Kallis was the epitome of all-round excellence, and his performances in the Champions Trophy were no exception.
With 3 POTM awards in 14 matches, Kallis showcased his dual-threat capability with both bat and ball. His ability to score runs at a crucial time or take key wickets when needed was what made him invaluable.
Kallis’s consistency, combined with his capacity to adapt his game according to the match situation, made him one of the greatest cricketers to grace the tournament.
His contributions were often match-winning, providing South Africa with the backbone they needed in high-pressure games.
Upul Tharanga – 2 POTM in 6 Matches
Upul Tharanga from Sri Lanka might not have played as many matches as some of his counterparts, but in his 6 appearances at the Champions Trophy, he managed to clinch 2 POTM awards.
Tharanga was known for his elegant left-handed batting, providing stability or acceleration at the top of the order.
His performances in these matches were not just about individual brilliance but also about setting the tone for his team’s innings.
Tharanga’s ability to convert starts into significant scores or chase down totals under pressure was what earned him these accolades.
Shahid Afridi – 2 POTM in 9 Matches
Shahid Afridi, the Pakistani all-rounder, was famous for his explosive batting and leg-spin bowling.
In the Champions Trophy, Afridi managed 2 POTM awards in 9 matches, highlighting his role as a game-changer.
Afridi’s career was marked by moments of magic, whether it was taking wickets in crucial phases or scoring quick runs to shift the momentum.
His flair for the dramatic and the ability to perform in clutch situations made him a fan favorite and a vital cog in Pakistan’s strategy during the tournament.
In Summary
The Champions Trophy has seen many heroes come and go, but the legacy of these five cricketers will forever be etched in the history of this competition.
Each of these players brought something unique to the table – be it Chris Gayle‘s explosive batting, Fleming’s tactical captaincy, Kallis’s all-round genius, Tharanga’s elegant strokeplay, or Afridi’s unpredictable brilliance.
As we look forward to the Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan, fans can only hope to witness more such performances that will define the future of this storied tournament.
These players, all now retired, have left behind a blueprint of how to excel in high-stakes cricket, offering lessons in resilience, strategy, and sheer talent.
Their achievements in the Champions Trophy are not just numbers; they are stories of determination, skill, and moments that turned games, series, and sometimes, the course of cricketing history.
