Webdesk: The Cricket World Cups have been the pinnacle of excellence in the world of cricket, enthralling audiences around the globe. Such prestigious tournaments are awarded to countries with extensive cricketing histories, such as Pakistan. While Pakistan has never hosted the Cricket World Cup on its own, it has twice played a significant role as a co-host. Let’s investigate Pakistan’s role in these historic occurrences.
1987 World Cup
India vs. Pakistan: 1987 Cricket World Cup Pakistan and India shared the honour of hosting the fourth Cricket World Cup in 1987. While, This tournament marked the first time the World Cup visited the subcontinent of India. Moreover, In Pakistan, the matches were played in multiple locations, including Karachi, Lahore, and Hyderabad.
Moreover, The semifinal match between Pakistan and India in Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium captivated cricket fans around the world. While, Pakistan was defeated by India by only 16 runs, culminating in heartbreak for their devoted fans.
1996 Cricket World Cup
1996 Cricket World Cup – India/Pakistan/Sri Lanka: Pakistan once again shared the honour of hosting the Cricket World Cup, this time with India and Sri Lanka. While, Multiple venues in all three countries hosted tournament matches, with the final held at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
While, The 1996 World Cup witnessed an electric atmosphere as cricket-loving nations collaborated to produce a magnificent event. Moreover, The final match between Australia and Sri Lanka at the Gaddafi Stadium exemplified cricket’s pinnacle of excellence. While, Sri Lanka triumphed, claiming their first-ever Cricket World Cup championship.
Moreover, Pakistan’s participation as co-host for the 1987 and 1996 Cricket World Cups left an indelible mark on the cricketing landscape of the country. The successful organisation of these events demonstrated Pakistan’s capacity to host international tournaments and gave local athletes a forum to shine on the global stage.
Pakistan has yet to host a Cricket World Cup on its own, but its cricketing fervour and talented players have guaranteed that the nation’s influence in the cricketing world remains strong. Pakistan’s cricketing legacy continues to inspire future generations and maintains the nation’s leadership in the sport.
Country’s participation as a co-host for the 1987 and 1996 Cricket World Cups contributed significantly to the country’s cricketing legacy. Pakistan’s passion for cricket, devoted supporter base, and talented players have cemented the nation’s status as a cricketing powerhouse, despite the fact that it has yet to host the tournament on its own. Pakistan eagerly anticipates the opportunity to host a Cricket World Cup on its native soil, which would undoubtedly be a momentous occasion for the country and its cricket-loving fans.
History of ICC Cricket Worldcup
England was the only country with the resources to host the first Cricket World Cup in 1975. Moreover, The 1975 competition began June 7. While, The first three English tournaments were called the Prudential Cup after sponsor Prudential plc. The teams played 60 six-ball overs during the day in typical cricket whites with red cricket balls.
The first tournament featured Australia, England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, and the West Indies, together with Sri Lanka and an East African composite squad. Moreover, Apartheid prohibited South Africa from international cricket. At Lord’s, the West Indies defeated Australia by 17 runs to win the championship. While, West Indies batsman Roy Fredricks was the first ODI hit-wicket in 1975 World Cup final.
Moreover, Sri Lanka and Canada qualified for the 1979 World Cup through the new ICC Trophy competition. In the final, England lost to the West Indies by 92 runs. After the World Cup, the International Cricket Conference decided to make the competition quadrennial.
While, England hosted for the third time in 1983. While, Sri Lanka was a Test nation, and Zimbabwe qualified through the ICC Trophy. 30 yards (27 m) from the stumps was a fielding circle. Moreover, Four fieldmen had to stay in it. Before the knockouts, teams played twice. While, India defeated the West Indies in the final by 43 runs.
India and Pakistan hosted the 1987 event, the first outside England. Due to India’s shorter summer daylight hours, games were reduced from 60 to 50 overs per innings.
Now let’s take a look at the winner list of ICC Cricket Worldcup (ODI Format)
Winner’s List:
| ICC Cricket World Cup Winners List (ODI Format) | |||
| Year | Winner | Hosting Country | Runner-up |
| 1975 | West Indies | England | Australia |
| 1979 | West Indies | England | England |
| 1983 | India | England | West Indies |
| 1987 | Australia | India and Pakistan | England |
| 1992 | Pakistan | Australia and New Zealand | England |
| 1996 | Sri Lanka | Pakistan and India | Australia |
| 1999 | Australia | England | Pakistan |
| 2003 | Australia | South Africa | India |
| 2007 | Australia | West Indies | Sri Lanka |
| 2011 | India | India and Bangladesh | Sri Lanka |
| 2015 | Australia | Australia and New Zealand | New Zealand |
| 2019 | England | England and Wales | New Zealand |
| 2023 | TBA | India | TBA |
