ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup (ODI): Format, History and Winners

The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, also called the ODI World Cup, is the premier tournament in one-day international cricket. Held roughly every four years, it is one of the most-watched sporting events in the world and has been contested by national teams since 1975.

Origins

The first World Cup was played in England in June 1975 and was called the Prudential Cup after its sponsor. Matches were played over sixty overs per side, in daylight with white clothing and red balls. The West Indies, led by Clive Lloyd, beat Australia in the final at Lord’s and retained the title in 1979. In 1987 the format changed to fifty overs per side, which has remained the standard.

Winners by edition

Format

The structure has changed over the years. Recent editions have used a single round-robin league stage in which all ten teams play each other, followed by semi-finals and a final, as in 2019 and 2023. Earlier tournaments used group stages and quarter-finals. The qualification route now includes a qualifier event for teams that have not secured a direct place through the ranking system.

Famous finals

In 1983 India, led by Kapil Dev, beat the West Indies in the final at Lord’s in a major upset. The 2019 final between England and New Zealand, also at Lord’s, ended in a tie and then a tied Super Over, with England winning on boundary count. In 2023 Australia beat India in the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

Records and legacy

Australia is the most successful team, with six titles through 2023, followed by India and the West Indies, with two each. Sachin Tendulkar is the leading run-scorer in the history of the tournament, and Glenn McGrath of Australia took the most wickets in World Cup history. The World Cup has shaped the history of the game, and its popularity has driven the global growth of cricket.

Frequently asked questions

Who has won the most ODI World Cups?

Australia, with six titles through 2023.

When was the first Cricket World Cup?

It was held in England in 1975, and the West Indies won.

How many overs are played in an ODI World Cup match?

Fifty overs per side since 1987.