Before it carried the ICC's own name, cricket's first World Cup was officially branded after the insurance company that paid for it — and played to a format that looked almost nothing like today's coloured-clothing, floodlit game.
The Prudential Cup, 1975
The first Cricket World Cup, officially the Prudential Cup after its sponsor, Prudential Assurance Company, ran June 7-21, 1975, entirely in England. Eight teams took part: the six Test-playing nations of the era (Australia, England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan and the West Indies), plus Sri Lanka and East Africa, a composite regional team representing several East African cricket boards together rather than a single nation.
Why England Hosted the First One
The choice wasn't about cricketing prestige alone — the ICC selected England for the inaugural tournament largely because it was the country best positioned to commit the resources and infrastructure a new international tournament required, a fairly pragmatic organizational decision rather than a ceremonial honor.
60 Overs, Red Balls, White Clothing
The format looked almost nothing like today's white-ball cricket spectacle — matches were played over 60 overs per side (rather than today's standard 50), in traditional white kit, with a red ball, closer in feel to a truncated Test match than the coloured-clothing, floodlit One Day International format the sport later developed.
A West Indies Team for the Ages
The final, played at Lord's, pitted the West Indies against Australia, with the West Indies — the tournament favourites — winning by 17 runs to become cricket's first World Cup champions, the opening chapter of what became a genuine West Indian dynasty across the format's first two editions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the first Cricket World Cup officially called?
The Prudential Cup, named for its sponsor, Prudential Assurance Company — the 1975 tournament, held entirely in England.
How many teams played in the first Cricket World Cup?
Eight — the six Test-playing nations of the time, plus Sri Lanka and a composite East Africa team.
Who won the first Cricket World Cup?
The West Indies, beating Australia by 17 runs in the final at Lord's.
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