KKN Gurugram Desk | In a landmark moment in cricket history, South Africa has finally ended its 27-year-long ICC trophy drought, clinching the World Test Championship 2025 title. The Proteas defeated their opponents with a commanding performance, lifting their first major ICC title since 1998. However, even before the celebrations can fully settle, there’s a twist—South Africa will soon have to return the WTC trophy to the ICC.

Yes, you read that right. Despite winning the championship and rewriting history, the newly crowned Test champions will not retain the physical trophy permanently. But before we explore why, let’s dive into the journey that brought them here.

A Historic Win: South Africa Breaks the ICC Title Curse

The World Test Championship 2025 Final was nothing short of a spectacle. South Africa, long regarded as one of cricket’s most consistent yet unlucky sides in major tournaments, finally broke their ICC trophy jinx. The victory marks their first global title since the 1998 ICC KnockOut Trophy, now known as the Champions Trophy.

This win also serves as a redemption arc for a team that has come heartbreakingly close multiple times in World Cups and other ICC events. Cricket fans across the globe, not just in South Africa, celebrated the emotional moment.

“This is not just a win; it’s the end of a long wait. We’ve been chasing this for decades,” said South Africa’s captain during the post-match presentation.

Why South Africa Has to Return the Trophy to ICC

Despite their monumental achievement, South Africa will not keep the WTC trophy permanently. That’s because the World Test Championship title comes with a rolling trophy, which means:

• The WTC trophy is not a permanent possession.

• It remains the property of the International Cricket Council (ICC).

• The winning team holds it until the next WTC cycle ends, at which point it is returned and passed on to the next champion.

So, while South Africa gets to lift the trophy, parade it at home, and be officially recognized as champions, they will eventually have to return the original trophy to the ICC. The players and board, however, will receive replicas or commemorative medals to mark their achievement.

This tradition is not new—the ICC follows this practice across most of its tournaments, including the World Cup and Champions Trophy.

 The Trophy Drought: 27 Years of Missed Opportunities

Let’s take a moment to reflect on just how significant this win is for South African cricket:

Last ICC Title:

• 1998 ICC KnockOut Trophy (now Champions Trophy)

Major ICC Events Since Then:

• Multiple World Cup semi-final exits

• Chokes in high-pressure matches

• Controversial exits (Duckworth-Lewis method, rain-affected games)

For years, South Africa was labeled “chokers”—a tag that overshadowed their individual brilliance and strong team efforts. This WTC 2025 win finally allows them to shed that label and gain the recognition they’ve long deserved.

 How the WTC 2025 Unfolded: South Africa’s Road to Glory

South Africa’s performance in the 2023–2025 WTC cycle was marked by:

• Series wins against top-tier sides

• Dominant home performances

• Tactical brilliance and fast-bowling supremacy

• Emerging talent stepping up when it mattered

They secured a place in the WTC Final through consistent test match success, strong squad depth, and bold captaincy decisions.

The final itself was a well-rounded team performance, with standout contributions from:

• Bowlers exploiting the pitch conditions

• Middle-order resilience

• Smart field placements and disciplined bowling

 Global Reaction to South Africa’s Win

The cricketing world reacted with overwhelming support and emotion. Fans, former cricketers, and analysts took to social media to congratulate the Proteas.

Former India Captain Virat Kohli:

“Massive congratulations to South Africa. The wait is over. Champions in whites—well deserved!”

Michael Vaughan, Former England Captain:

“They’ve always had the team. Today, they had the belief. Congrats, South Africa. Cricket needed this!”

The #WTCFinal2025 hashtag trended worldwide, with cricket enthusiasts hailing it as one of the most emotional moments in modern cricket.

 The Runner-Up: A Familiar Story of Heartbreak

While South Africa celebrated, the runner-up team faced yet another disappointing end to their Test Championship campaign. Despite entering the final as a strong contender, their inconsistencies in crucial sessions cost them the title.

Analysts pointed out:

• Overreliance on key players

• Tactical errors under pressure

• Missed opportunities in the field

This defeat has triggered debates about squad rotation, leadership strategies, and long-term Test planning in their cricket board.

 Impact of South Africa’s Win on World Cricket

South Africa’s WTC win is more than a personal milestone—it has global cricket implications:

1. Test Cricket Revival

Test cricket often faces competition from shorter formats. A new champion nation winning the WTC injects fresh life into the longest format, making it more appealing for fans and broadcasters.

2. Inspiration for Other Teams

Nations like Pakistan, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka—who have also struggled with consistency—may now believe that a World Test Championship victory is within reach.

3. South Africa’s Youth Surge

This victory could inspire a generation of young cricketers in South Africa, increasing grassroots participation and funding for Test cricket development.

 What’s Next for South Africa?

With the WTC title in hand, South Africa now faces the responsibility of maintaining consistency:

• A new WTC cycle begins shortly

• Selection and fitness management will be key

• There will be expectations to defend the title in 2027

Their focus will also shift to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, and possibly building toward the next World Cup cycle.

The World Test Championship 2025 will go down as a historic turning point in South African cricket. From years of disappointment to lifting a major ICC trophy, the Proteas have finally carved their name into Test cricket’s elite.

Yes, they may have to return the trophy physically, but the legacy of this win will stay forever. It’s not just about holding silverware—it’s about rewriting history, restoring belief, and proving that greatness, though delayed, always finds its moment.