The ICC Cricket World Cup is one of the most prestigious international cricket tournaments. It was first held in 1975 and is contested by the national teams of the International Cricket Council (ICC) member countries. The One Day International (ODI) format, which consists of 50 overs per side, is used for the tournament. (Read more)

The history of the Cricket One Day International (ODI) World Cup is a fascinating journey that has seen the growth and transformation of the sport on the global stage. Here's a brief overview of the key milestones in the history of the Cricket World Cup:

• Inception (1975): The first-ever Cricket World Cup was held in 1975 in England. The concept of a limited-overs cricket tournament was proposed by Sir Don Bradman, the legendary Australian cricketer, and was eventually approved by the International Cricket Council (ICC). Eight teams participated in the inaugural tournament, and the West Indies emerged as the champions.

• Expansion (1979): The second World Cup was also hosted by England in 1979, and it featured eight teams again. The West Indies continued their dominance, winning the tournament for the second consecutive time.

• Indian Triumph (1983): The 1983 World Cup, hosted by England, marked a significant turning point in the history of the tournament. India, led by Kapil Dev, pulled off a stunning upset by defeating the West Indies in the final to win their first-ever World Cup.

• Subcontinental Influence (1987): The 1987 World Cup was co-hosted by India and Pakistan. It saw the emergence of a strong subcontinental presence in cricket, with Australia winning their first World Cup.

• South Africa's Entry (1992): The 1992 World Cup was held in Australia and New Zealand. It was the first World Cup to feature South Africa, marking their return to international cricket after the end of apartheid. Pakistan emerged as the champions under the captaincy of Imran Khan.

• Sri Lankan Surprise (1996): The 1996 World Cup, co-hosted by Pakistan, India, and Sri Lanka, saw Sri Lanka win their maiden World Cup. This tournament also witnessed the introduction of floodlights and day-night matches.

• Australia's Dominance (1999-2007): Australia became the dominant force in World Cup cricket during this period, winning three consecutive tournaments in 1999, 2003, and 2007. They achieved a record-breaking 34 consecutive wins in World Cup matches.

• Expanded Format (2007): The 2007 World Cup in the West Indies featured 16 teams, the largest number in the tournament's history. It also saw the introduction of the Super Eight stage in addition to the group stage.

• Asian Dominance (2011): The 2011 World Cup, co-hosted by India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh, saw India win their second World Cup title. This tournament featured a successful Indian team and Sachin Tendulkar's remarkable century of international centuries.

• England's Maiden Win (2019): The 2019 World Cup, hosted by England and Wales, witnessed England winning their first World Cup. The final was particularly memorable for the dramatic Super Over finish against New Zealand.

• Ongoing Tradition: The Cricket World Cup continues to be a major event on the international cricket calendar, featuring top teams from around the world. The format and rules have evolved over the years, and the tournament remains a showcase for cricketing talent and a source of national pride for cricketing nations.

The history of the Cricket World Cup is rich with memorable moments, iconic players, and a growing global fan base, making it one of the most-watched sporting events worldwide.