The history and evolution of the 50 overs world cup evolved to become one of the most prestigious events in the world. From its beginning in 1975 to the most recent edition in 2019, the tournament has undergone numerous changes in format, host countries, and rules.
1st World Cup
The history and evolution of the 50-over World Cup is fascinating. It originated in 1975, and Only nine countries participated at that time England, Australia, West Indies, New Zealand, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and East Africa. West Indies was the first team to win this title in the first World Cup.
Second world cup 1979
Again England hosted the second world cup in 1979, and West Indies won the title this time, defeating England by 92 runs.
Third World Cup 1983
England hosted the third World Cup in 1983 (officially the Prudential Cup ’83) in England and Wales third time in a row, and for the first time, India lifted off the 1983 title. Remember, this match took place with World Cup winner West Indies twice, and barely anyone could believe that India could win this game. Not only India won the World Cup, but also India won this World Cup by 43 runs and made West Indies sweat in the corner.
Fourth World Cup 1987
India and Pakistan hosted the fourth World Cup 1987 (Official Reliance Cup 1987) from 8 October to 8 November 1987 for the first time outside England. Also, management changed the format from 60 overs to 50 overs(the current standard of One Day International).
Fifth World Cup 1992
Australia and New Zealand hosted the fifth World Cup played in 1992. This time, ICC changes the game so that all teams would play one game against each other, and the four best teams would qualify to play in the semifinals. Pakistan won the title of the World Cup in 1992.
Sixth World Cup 1996
After the 1987 World Cup hospitality, India and Pakistan co-hosted the 1996 edition along with Sri Lanka, their first time hosting the tournament.
Significant changes were made to the format, including the introduction of quarter-finals. The Sri Lanka national cricket team emerged victorious in this edition, clinching their first-ever World Cup title.
Seventh World Cup 1999
After three World Cup, England hosted the seventh World Cup in 1999, and Australia won this title in this World Cup.
8th and 9th World Cup 2003 and 2007
South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Kenya hosted the 2003 World Cup, and again Australia won this title. West Indies hosted the 9th World Cup in 2007, and Australia won this title.
The 2011 Dasavan World Cup was played in India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. This time also, the format was changed: all teams will play each other once, and then the best four teams will be qualified to play in the semifinals. Did India win this title in the World Cup?
2011 ICC Cricket World Cup
The India national cricket team emerged as the champions of the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup, held from 19 February to 2 April 2011 across India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh.
The tournament featured 14 teams. In 49 matches, Tillakaratne Dilshan scored the highest number of runs, accumulating 500 runs.
However, Yuvraj Singh was awarded the Player of the Series title for his impressive all-round performances. The Indian team’s championship was remarkable, as they defeated some of the strongest teams in the world, including arch-rivals Pakistan, in the semifinals.
World Cup played in 2015
Australia and New Zealand inaugurated the 2015 World Cup, and Australia won this title.
World Cup 2019
England hosted the 12th Cricket World Cup in 2019, and for the first time, England lifted the title shot in its world cup history, defeating New Zealand.
Although England did not deserve the title, England was declared the ICC’s Most Boundaries Rule winner after two consecutive Super Overs were tied. This caused not only heartache among New Zealanders but also a lot of outrage among cricket fans around the world.
