Cricket has a way of leaving a mark, not just on scorecards, but in stories passed down, rivalries remembered, and moments that define a generation. At the center of many of those moments are the trophies: not just shiny symbols of victory, but emblems of everything it takes to get there, grit, brilliance, and belief. Over our nearly 30 years of making trophies we have made several iconic cricket trophies many of which are still presented today and are now rich in history.
Whether it’s the centuries-old Ashes or the modern drama of the T20 World Cup, these trophies do more than decorate cabinets. They carry meaning. In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at the most iconic trophies in cricket, where they come from, why they matter, and the lasting legacy they’ve helped shape.
What Makes a Trophy Iconic in Cricket?
A cricket trophy is more than a piece of metal or an ornate cup. It carries history, evokes passion, and tells the story of battles won and lost. But what sets some trophies apart?
- History: The most cherished trophies often date back decades — even centuries — and are steeped in narratives of empire, rivalry, and transformation.
- Prestige: Winning them isn’t easy. These trophies demand sustained excellence, mental grit, and moments of brilliance on the biggest stages.
- Emotion: For players and fans, lifting one of these trophies is more than a dream. It’s the culmination of years of hope, heartbreak, and heroism.
Together, these qualities elevate a trophy into something far more meaningful — a symbol of sporting legacy.
The Greats: Cricket's Most Celebrated Trophies
ICC Cricket World Cup
Since its inception in 1975, the World Cup has stood as the ultimate prize in One Day International (ODI) cricket. Held every four years, it brings together the best teams on the planet. From Kapil Dev’s miracle at Lord’s in 1983 to Australia’s dominance in the 2000s, this trophy has seen some of cricket’s most unforgettable moments.
The Ashes
Few rivalries in sport are as fiercely contested — or as deeply rooted — as The Ashes. England and Australia have battled for this tiny urn since 1882, making it one of cricket’s oldest and most revered trophies. Despite its modest size, the Ashes represents the soul of Test cricket.
ICC Champions Trophy
Often described as the "mini World Cup," the Champions Trophy gathers the top ODI nations for a shorter, high-stakes tournament. Launched in 1998, it’s been a platform for thrilling upsets and tight finishes. For many teams, it’s a chance to claim silverware against the very best.
ICC T20 World Cup
In the fast-paced world of T20, the ICC T20 World Cup has become a global spectacle. Since its debut in 2007, it has delivered drama, flair, and unexpected heroes. The format may be shorter, but the emotions run just as deep.
Border-Gavaskar Trophy
Named after two legends — Allan Border and Sunil Gavaskar — this trophy celebrates the cricketing rivalry between India and Australia. Since 1996, it has produced epic Test series marked by intensity, skill, and mutual respect. In recent years, India’s historic wins on Australian soil have added new chapters to its legacy.
Asia Cup
A unique tournament that blends sporting excellence with political complexity, the Asia Cup has been uniting Asian nations since 1984. Played in both ODI and T20 formats, it showcases regional talent and adds another layer to subcontinental rivalries.
New Frontiers: Emerging and Evolving Trophies
World Test Championship (WTC) Mace
The WTC is cricket’s answer to restoring the glory of Test matches. Introduced in 2019, it gives long-form cricket a clear narrative and a tangible goal. The golden mace awarded to the champions serves as a modern emblem of Test supremacy.
Indian Premier League (IPL) Trophy
It might be domestic, but the IPL trophy is arguably one of the most commercially influential in world cricket. With international stars, high-octane games, and massive fanfare, lifting this trophy is a career-defining moment for many players — and franchises.
Women’s Cricket Trophies
The rise of women’s cricket has brought with it new milestones and greater visibility. The ICC Women’s World Cup and Women’s T20 World Cup represent not just elite performance, but also progress in equality and recognition in the sport. These trophies are now central to cricket’s evolving narrative.
Spotlight on Domestic UK Competitions
While international trophies often grab the headlines, domestic competitions in the UK carry deep cultural and sporting significance.
The County Championship
Founded in 1890, the County Championship is the cornerstone of English first-class cricket. Spanning the traditional cricket season, this long-format competition is a true test of endurance, skill, and consistency. For many England Test players, strong performances here mark the path to international selection.
Vitality Blast
As England's premier T20 tournament, the Vitality Blast has brought fast-paced entertainment and regional pride to domestic cricket since 2003. It has played a vital role in nurturing explosive talents who often graduate to national and global T20 stages.
The Hundred
Launched in 2021, The Hundred is a bold and modern addition to the cricket calendar. Featuring city-based franchises, gender parity in visibility, and a unique 100-ball format, its trophy symbolizes innovation and cricket’s efforts to appeal to newer, younger audiences — especially in urban areas.
More Than Just Silverware
Behind every trophy lies something deeper:
- Identity: These trophies represent more than just wins; they’re tied to national pride, culture, and ambition.
- Legacy: Players are remembered not just for statistics, but for the trophies they win and the moments they create.
- Evolution: The growing list of trophies reflects how cricket is adapting — in format, audience, and philosophy — while still staying true to its roots.
Trophy Trivia: A Few Fascinating Facts
- The Ashes urn isn’t the actual prize given to the winning team. The original stays at the MCC Museum at Lord’s; a replica is presented instead.
- The original ICC World Cup trophy was permanently awarded to the West Indies and India in the 1970s and '80s. The current version was introduced in 1999.
- The Border-Gavaskar Trophy was once dominated by home teams — until India’s back-to-back victories in Australia (2018–19 and 2020–21) turned the tide.
