The ICC Cricket World Cup, organised by the governing body of cricket in the world – International Cricket Council, is due to begin from 30th May 2019. This event is one of the most anticipated and most watched sporting tournaments across the world.
The 2019 World Cup is the 12th edition of the one-day international World Cup and will be hosted by England and Wales. To be held across a duration of six weeks, the tournament will end on 14th July 2019.
A total of 10 teams will play a total of 48 matches to win the coveted trophy. Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England (hosts), India, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and the West Indies are the participating teams.
The total prize money for the tournament is a whopping $10 million. The winning team will win $4 million while the runner-up will be awarded $2 million.
History of the ICC Cricket World Cup
The first World Cup for Cricket was held in English in 1975 and it was won by the West Indies. Since then, it has been held once in four years.
Here is a list of winners, runners up, and the hosts across the various editions of the World Cup.
| Year | Hosts | Winner | Runners-up |
| 1975 | England | West Indies | Australia |
| 1979 | England | West Indies | England |
| 1983 | England | India | West Indies |
| 1987 | India – Pakistan | Australia | England |
| 1992 | Australia – New Zealand | Pakistan | England |
| 1996 | India – Pakistan – Sri Lanka | Sri Lanka | Australia |
| 1999 | England – Wales | Australia | Pakistan |
| 2003 | South Africa | Australia | India |
| 2007 | West Indies | Australia | Sri Lanka |
| 2011 | India – Sri Lanka – Bangladesh | India | Sri Lanka |
| 2015 | Australia – New Zealand | Australia | New Zealand |
Facts and Trivia about the World Cup
- Australia has been the most successful team in the World Cup, winning a record five titles. It is also the defending champion. Further, it also holds the record for the most consecutive World Cup wins – 3.
- In terms of World Cup wins, Australia is followed by West Indies and India, who have won the World Cup twice each.
- Despite hosting the World Cup the maximum number of times, England has never won the Cup.
- Indian batting legend Sachin Tendulkar holds the record for being the most successful batsman in World Cups, scoring a total of 2,278 runs. He also holds the record for scoring the most runs in one single edition of the tournament – 673 runs in the 2003 World Cup. The master blaster also holds the record for scoring the most number of centuries (6).
Image Source: The Hindu - Australian bowling legend Glenn McGrath holds the record for being the most successful bowler in World Cups, taking a total of 71 wickets. He also holds the record for taking the most wickets in a single tournament – 26 in the 2007 edition of the World Cup.
- Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting holds the record for taking the most number of catches in World Cups – a total of 28.
- The first World Cup to be held outside England was in 1987 when India and Pakistan jointly hosted the event.
This edition of the Cricket World Cup is going to be as exciting as ever! Which teams are you betting on? Do let us know your views!
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