What Is 2006 ICC Champions Trophy squads

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2006 ICC Champions Trophy squads featured 12 national cricket teams, each naming a 15-player roster. The tournament was held in India from October 7 to November 5, 2006, with Australia emerging as champions after defeating the West Indies in the final.

Key Facts

12 teams participated in the 2006 ICC Champions Trophy
Australia won the tournament by defeating the West Indies by 8 wickets in the final on November 5, 2006
The event was hosted in India across four cities: Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, and Mohali
Each national squad consisted of 15 players, as per ICC regulations for the tournament
Ricky Ponting was named Player of the Series for scoring 265 runs at an average of 88.33

Overview

The 2006 ICC Champions Trophy was the fifth edition of the ICC's premier One Day International (ODI) tournament, featuring 12 national teams competing for the title. Held in India from October 7 to November 5, 2006, the event was notable for being the first ICC global tournament hosted entirely in the country since the 1987 World Cup.

Each participating nation submitted a squad of 15 players, with final rosters confirmed before the tournament began. The competition followed a group-stage format, with the top two teams from each of the four groups advancing to the Super Eight stage, culminating in a final between Australia and the West Indies.

Australia fielded a strong squad led by Ricky Ponting, including key players like Adam Gilchrist, Matthew Hayden, and Brett Lee, aiming to redeem their 2004 loss in the previous edition.
India, the host nation, included Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and Virender Sehwag, but were eliminated in the Super Eights despite home advantage.
West Indies reached the final with standout performances from Dwayne Bravo and Chris Gayle, marking their best Champions Trophy result to date.
South Africa entered as favorites but were eliminated in the Super Eights after losing crucial matches to Sri Lanka and Australia.
Pakistan was led by Inzamam-ul-Haq and included Shoaib Malik and Mohammad Yousuf, but failed to progress beyond the group stage due to inconsistent performances.

How It Works

The 2006 ICC Champions Trophy followed a structured format designed to balance competitive intensity with logistical feasibility across multiple host cities. Teams were selected based on ICC rankings, with automatic qualification granted to the top eight ODI nations and four additional teams invited.

Group Stage: 12 teams were divided into four groups of three; each group winner and runner-up advanced to the Super Eight stage based on points and net run rate.
Super Eight Stage: Eight teams were split into two groups of four, with the top two from each group progressing to the semi-finals.
Knockout Format: Semi-finals and the final were single-elimination matches, with the final held at the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai on November 5, 2006.
Player Eligibility: Each squad could register up to 15 players, with a maximum of 11 fielding in any match; replacements required ICC approval for injury.
Umpiring Standards: Matches were officiated by ICC elite panel umpires, including Simon Taufel and Rudi Koertzen, ensuring high standards of decision-making.
Prize Money: The ICC allocated USD $10 million in prize money, with the champions receiving $1.2 million and runners-up $600,000.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the final standings, key statistics, and squad sizes for the top five teams in the 2006 ICC Champions Trophy:

Team	Final Position	Matches Played	Wins	Squad Size
Australia	Champions	7	6	15
West Indies	Runners-up	7	5	15
New Zealand	3rd	6	4	15
Sri Lanka	4th	6	4	15
South Africa	5th	6	3	15

The table highlights Australia's dominance, winning six of their seven matches, including a decisive victory in the final. New Zealand and Sri Lanka both reached the semi-finals but fell short, while South Africa's early exit surprised many given their pre-tournament rankings. All teams maintained the standard 15-player squad size as mandated by the ICC.

Why It Matters

The 2006 ICC Champions Trophy had significant implications for international cricket, influencing team strategies, player recognition, and future tournament hosting decisions. Its success in India paved the way for the country to host more ICC events, including the 2011 World Cup.

Player Recognition: Ricky Ponting’s 265 runs earned him Player of the Series, boosting his reputation as a clutch performer in ICC tournaments.
Team Development: The West Indies' run to the final revitalized Caribbean cricket, leading to increased investment in youth programs.
Hosting Legacy: India’s successful organization of the event strengthened its position as a premier host for global cricket tournaments.
Format Influence: The Super Eight stage introduced a new competitive layer, later adapted in the 2007 and 2011 World Cups.
Commercial Growth: High viewership in India and the subcontinent increased broadcast revenues, benefiting the ICC and member boards.
Historical Benchmark: The tournament remains the only ICC final held in India before the 2023 ODI World Cup final at the same venue.

In summary, the 2006 ICC Champions Trophy was a pivotal moment in ODI cricket history, combining competitive excellence with organizational success and setting new standards for future global tournaments.