🏏 Introduction: Cricket World Cup Facts
The ICC Cricket World Cup is the most prestigious and celebrated tournament in One Day International (ODI) cricket, organized by the International Cricket Council (ICC) once every four years. Since its beginning in 1975, the Cricket World Cup has played a vital role in shaping modern cricket and producing legendary players, unforgettable matches, and historic moments.
From the early dominance of the West Indies to the era of Australian supremacy, and from India’s fairy-tale victory in 1983 to thrilling modern finals like 2019 and 2023, the World Cup reflects the evolution of cricket across generations. The tournament has introduced major innovations such as day-night matches, colored clothing, white balls, powerplays, and technology like DRS, making the game more dynamic and viewer-friendly.
The Cricket World Cup is not just a sporting event; it is a global festival that unites millions of fans across countries and cultures. For students preparing for SSC, Banking, Railways, Defence, PSC, UPSC, and other competitive examinations, knowledge of Cricket World Cup facts is extremely important, as sports-related questions are frequently asked in General Knowledge sections.
This collection of 100 Cricket World Cup Facts provides concise, accurate, and exam-focused information to help readers strengthen their sports GK and quiz preparation.
Here are 100 interesting Cricket World Cup facts (Men’s ODI World Cup) — perfect for GK, quizzes, SSC, Banking, Railways, PSC, and sports lovers 🏏🌍
🏆 Cricket World Cup – 100 Important Facts
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The first Cricket World Cup was held in 1975.
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The tournament was hosted by England in 1975.
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West Indies won the first Cricket World Cup.
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Clive Lloyd was the captain of West Indies in 1975.
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The Cricket World Cup is organized by the ICC (International Cricket Council).
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Matches were played in 60 overs per side in early World Cups.
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Australia has won the most Cricket World Cups.
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Australia has won the World Cup 6 times (1987, 1999, 2003, 2007, 2015, 2023).
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India won its first World Cup in 1983.
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Kapil Dev was India’s captain in 1983.
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India defeated West Indies in the 1983 final.
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The Prudential Cup was the original name of the tournament.
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Sachin Tendulkar has scored the most runs in World Cup history.
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Sachin Tendulkar scored 673 runs in the 2003 World Cup.
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Martin Crowe introduced the concept of powerplays (later adopted).
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The World Cup format has changed several times.
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The 1992 World Cup introduced colored clothing.
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White balls were first used in the 1992 World Cup.
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Pakistan won the World Cup in 1992.
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Imran Khan captained Pakistan to victory.
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South Africa returned to World Cups in 1992 after apartheid ban.
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Australia won three consecutive World Cups (1999, 2003, 2007).
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The 2007 World Cup was hosted in the West Indies.
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Sri Lanka won the World Cup in 1996.
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Arjuna Ranatunga captained Sri Lanka in 1996.
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India and Pakistan co-hosted the 1987 World Cup.
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1987 was the first World Cup held outside England.
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MS Dhoni captained India to World Cup victory in 2011.
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The 2011 World Cup was co-hosted by India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh.
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India won the 2011 final at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.
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Yuvraj Singh was Player of the Tournament in 2011.
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New Zealand has reached multiple finals but never won (till 2023).
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England won their first World Cup in 2019.
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The 2019 final ended in a tie.
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England won the 2019 World Cup on boundary count rule.
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Ben Stokes was Player of the Match in the 2019 final.
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The 2015 World Cup was co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand.
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Australia defeated New Zealand in the 2015 final.
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The 2023 World Cup was hosted by India.
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Australia won the 2023 World Cup.
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Australia defeated India in the 2023 final.
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Glenn Maxwell played a historic double century in 2023.
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Rohit Sharma is among top World Cup run scorers.
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Muttiah Muralitharan is one of the highest wicket-takers.
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Glenn McGrath has taken the most World Cup wickets.
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McGrath took 71 wickets in World Cups.
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The World Cup is held every 4 years.
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Zimbabwe has upset major teams in World Cups.
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Kenya reached the semi-final in 2003.
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The 2003 World Cup was hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Kenya.
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India has hosted the World Cup three times.
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Brian Lara scored 400* in Tests but was also a World Cup star.
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AB de Villiers is known for fastest World Cup centuries.
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Chris Gayle scored the first World Cup double century.
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Gayle scored 215 vs Zimbabwe in 2015.
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Lasith Malinga took four wickets in four balls in 2007.
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World Cup matches use white balls and colored kits now.
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Afghanistan made its World Cup debut in 2015.
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Bangladesh reached quarterfinals in 2015.
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The World Cup trophy is made of gold and silver.
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The trophy weighs around 11 kg.
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ICC Cricket World Cup is the official name.
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World Cup matches are played in day-night format.
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England invented the game of cricket.
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Viv Richards was dominant in early World Cups.
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Viv Richards scored 189* in 1983 World Cup.
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Sunil Gavaskar played in the first World Cup.
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Gavaskar played a famous slow innings in 1975.
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The World Cup has featured more than 20 teams overall.
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Net Run Rate (NRR) is used for qualification.
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The 1999 World Cup final was won by Australia.
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Australia defeated Pakistan in the 1999 final.
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Shane Warne was a key bowler in 1999.
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The World Cup has both group and knockout stages.
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Super Six format was used in 1999 and 2003.
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Super Eight format was used in 2007.
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DLS method is used in rain-affected matches.
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ICC headquarters is in Dubai.
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World Cup matches are among the most-watched sports events.
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Billions of viewers watch the World Cup globally.
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India vs Pakistan matches draw record viewership.
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The World Cup boosts cricket’s global popularity.
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Fielding restrictions changed over time.
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Powerplay rules evolved after 2005.
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Umpires use technology like DRS.
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DRS was widely used from 2011 onwards.
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The World Cup has inspired many young cricketers.
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Women’s Cricket World Cup started earlier in 1973.
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Men’s and Women’s World Cups are separate events.
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The Cricket World Cup is the most prestigious ODI tournament.
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India has appeared in every World Cup edition.
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Australia has played the most finals.
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West Indies dominated early World Cups.
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Cricket World Cup has produced many legends.
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Every World Cup has a unique official logo.
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Mascots were popular in early editions.
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World Cup songs promote fan engagement.
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Host nations often perform strongly.
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Winning the World Cup is the highest honor in ODI cricket.
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The Cricket World Cup unites cricket fans worldwide. 🌍🏏