The ICC Cricket World Cup is the top-level One Day International (ODI) tournament for national teams. Organised every four years by the International Cricket Council (ICC), it features the best sides in global cricket competing for one of the sport’s most respected trophies.
Format
The format has changed several times since the first tournament in 1975. In recent editions, 10 teams have played in a round-robin stage, with the top four moving to semi-finals. Earlier editions featured group stages with quarter-finals or Super Six phases.
Each match is played in the ODI format — 50 overs per side — and usually takes around 8 hours. The rules follow standard ICC ODI playing conditions.
Qualification
Not all teams qualify automatically. While top-ranked nations receive direct entry, others must compete in ICC World Cup Qualifier tournaments. This system gives emerging teams a chance to reach the main event.
Recent Editions
- 2019 (England & Wales): England won their first title, defeating New Zealand in a tied final decided by boundary count.
- 2015 (Australia & New Zealand): Australia won their fifth title, beating New Zealand in the final.
- 2011 (India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh): India became champions on home soil.
- 2007 (West Indies): Australia completed a hat-trick of World Cup wins.
Key Teams and Performers
Teams with consistent World Cup success include:
- Australia (5 titles)
- India (2 titles)
- West Indies (2 titles)
- Pakistan, Sri Lanka, England (1 title each)
Notable World Cup players over the years:
- Sachin Tendulkar (India)
- Glenn McGrath (Australia)
- Muttiah Muralitharan (Sri Lanka)
- AB de Villiers (South Africa)
- Ben Stokes (England)
2023 World Cup Recap
The 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup was hosted by India from October to November. Ten teams took part: India, Australia, England, Pakistan, New Zealand, South Africa, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, and the Netherlands.
The tournament followed a round-robin format, with each team playing nine matches. India topped the group stage unbeaten, showing dominant form with both bat and ball. Key players included Virat Kohli, who finished as the leading run-scorer, and Jasprit Bumrah, who delivered consistent spells across venues.
Australia, after a slow start, recovered strongly and secured a semi-final spot alongside India, South Africa, and New Zealand. The semi-finals saw India defeat New Zealand, while Australia overcame South Africa in a tense match.
The final was held at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Despite India’s strong tournament run, Australia outplayed them on the day, winning their sixth World Cup title. Travis Head scored a match-winning century and was named Player of the Match.
Notable highlights of the 2023 edition included:
- Multiple high-scoring matches, with several 350+ team totals
- Afghanistan defeating England and Pakistan, showing major improvement
- Quinton de Kock and Rachin Ravindra delivering breakout batting performances
- Strong crowd attendance throughout, especially in matches involving India
The tournament maintained its reputation as the most watched event in ODI cricket and set several viewership and digital engagement records.