World Cup History

The first attempt at any kind of world championship was in 1912, when a three-way series was arranged between the then current Test playing nations, Australia, England and South Africa. No similar events were held until 1975.

The first ICC World Cup was in 1975, hosted by England. This tournament included the six Test-playing nations (England, Australia, New Zealand, West Indies, India and Pakistan), who were joined by Sri Lanka and East Africa.

Following the success of this tournament, it was repeated in 1979 and 1983 in England. After this, the tournament moved to be played in other countries, maintaining a four-year cycle.

60 overs were used for the first thee world cups. This was reduced to 50 in 1987 and has been that way since.