The Cricket World Cup is the premier international cricket tournament, played in the One Day International format and organised by the International Cricket Council. First staged in 1975, it is held roughly every four years and is among the most-watched events in the sport.
What the tournament is
The Cricket World Cup determines the world champion of men's One Day International cricket, a 50-overs-per-side format. Qualification combines automatic places for leading nations with a qualifying competition for the remaining spots.
The ICC also runs a separate T20 World Cup in the shorter Twenty20 format and a Women's Cricket World Cup, but the 50-over event is the original and longest-running of these competitions.
Format and structure
The format has varied across editions, moving between group stages, a round-robin league, and Super Six or knockout arrangements. Recent editions have favoured a single round-robin league followed by knockout semi-finals and a final.
- Each team plays a set number of league matches
- The leading teams advance to the knockout stage
- Two semi-finals feed into a single final
- Matches are 50 overs per innings, with reserve days available for knockouts
History and champions
The inaugural 1975 tournament was hosted in England and won by the West Indies, who also took the 1979 title. Australia has been the most successful nation, winning multiple titles including a run of three consecutive victories in 1999, 2003 and 2007.
India won at home in 2011 after first lifting the trophy in 1983, and England won its first title in 2019 in a final decided on a boundary count after both the match and the Super Over were tied. Other champions include Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
Notable moments
India's 1983 victory under Kapil Dev is often credited with transforming cricket's popularity in the country. Sachin Tendulkar is the leading run-scorer in World Cup history and finally won the trophy with India in 2011.
The 2019 final between England and New Zealand at Lord's ended level after the Super Over and was decided by the boundary-count rule, one of the most dramatic finishes in the tournament's history.
Frequently Asked Questions
What format is the Cricket World Cup played in?
It is contested in the One Day International format, with 50 overs per side. A separate ICC tournament uses the shorter Twenty20 format.
When was the first Cricket World Cup?
The first edition was held in 1975 in England and won by the West Indies.
Which nation has won the most Cricket World Cups?
Australia has been the most successful, winning multiple titles including three in a row in 1999, 2003 and 2007.
When did India win the Cricket World Cup?
India won in 1983 and again in 2011, the second time on home soil.
How was the 2019 final decided?
The 2019 final between England and New Zealand was tied after both the match and the Super Over, and England won on a boundary count.
Who is the leading run-scorer in World Cup history?
Sachin Tendulkar of India holds the record for the most runs across Cricket World Cup tournaments.
How often is the Cricket World Cup held?
The 50-over Cricket World Cup is held roughly every four years.