Saeed Anwar, Image Source: Getty Images
The ICC Champions Trophy is returning in 2025 following an eight-year break, with Pakistan and Dubai, UAE, hosting the tournament. The event was first held in 1998 as the ICC Knockout Trophy. It has been played eight times with the last edition held in 2017 won by Pakistan. The upcoming tournament will mark the 10th edition of this prestigious competition.
The competition has seen some of the finest batsmen delivering consistent performances over the years. A high batting average in the competition mirrors a player's capacity to score runs while remaining at the crease for longer periods. Some of the best cricketers have maintained impressive averages, helping their teams in crucial moments. These players have shown remarkable skill, composure, and the ability to perform under pressure. Having a strong average often plays a key role in a team’s success.
Who has the highest average in the ICC Champions Trophy?
Based on ESPN Cricinfo, former Pakistan skipper, Saeed Anwar, has the highest batting average in the ICC Champions Trophy. The former Wisden Cricketer of the Year (1997) played two editions of the ICC CT in 2000 and 2002, where he has an average of 144.50. Anwar played four matches and scored a total of 289 runs with his highest score of 105*. He had a strike rate of 77.89 with two centuries and a half-century. Apart from Saeed Anwar, Ravindra Jadeja, Arjuna Ranatunga, Ben Stokes, Virat Kohli, Russel Arnold, etc. are the top batsmen with the highest average in the ICC Champions Trophy.
List of top-10 batsmen with the highest average in the ICC Champions Trophy
Based on ESPN Cricinfo, the top 10 batsmen with the highest batting average in the ICC Champions Trophy are as follows:
| Player | Tenure | Matches | Innings | Runs Scored | Average | Strike Rate | Highest Score | 50/100 |
| Saeed Anwar (Pakistan) | 2000-2002 | 4 | 4 | 289 | 144.50 | 77.89 | 105* | 1/50 2/100 |
| Ravindra Jadeja (India) | 2013-2017 | 10 | 4 | 95 | 95.00 | 118.75 | 47* | 0/50 0/100 |
| Arjuna Ranatunga (Sri Lanka) | 1998 | 2 | 3 | 94 | 94.00 | 75.80 | 90* | 1/50 |
| Ben Stokes (England) | 2017 | 4 | 3 | 184 | 92.00 | 81.41 | 102* | 1/100 |
| Virat Kohli (India) | 2009-2017 | 13 | 12 | 529 | 88.16 | 92.32 | 96* | 5/50 |
| Russel Arnold (Sri Lanka) | 2000-2002 | 7 | 5 | 175 | 87.50 | 72.31 | 56* | 1/50 |
| Steve Smith (Australia) | 2017 | 3 | 3 | 86 | 86.00 | 79.62 | 56 | 1/50 |
| Shahriar Nafees (Bangladesh) | 2006 | 3 | 3 | 166 | 83.00 | 66.13 | 123* | 1/100 |
| Alec Stewart (England) | 2000-2002 | 4 | 4 | 163 | 81.50 | 73.75 | 87* | 1/50 |
| Mohammad Kaif (India) | 2002-2006 | 8 | 5 | 236 | 78.66 | 89.39 | 111* | 1/100 |
FAQs on ICC Champions Trophy
A. Virat Kohli reportedly has an average of 88.16 in the ICC Champions trophy, as of February 2025.
A. Virat Kohli won the 2008 ICC U19 World Cup, 2011 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup, 2013 ICC Champions Trophy, and 2024 ICC Men's T20 World Cup.
A. The ICC Champions Trophy is a 50-over tournament, as per BBC's official website.
A. As of February 2025, Virat Kohli's ICC ranking is #6, as per ESPN Cricinfo.
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