Cricket World Cup 1987

The 1987 Cricket World Cup, referred to as the Reliance Cup, represented a significant departure from preceding iterations on various fronts. The inaugural tournament was conducted beyond the borders of England, with India and Pakistan serving as co-hosts. This development substantiated the sport’s evolution into a genuinely international occasion. This event marked a significant turning point, signifying the transfer of cricketing authority and influence towards the subcontinent, an area renowned for its unmatched ardor for the sport.

The tournament was abundantly marked by advancements and original features, such as the reduction of overs per team from 60 to 50. This modification consequently intensified the speed and dynamics of the game. Australia emerged as the victors, triumphing over England in a closely battled final, thereby signifying a departure from the widespread dominance of Caribbean teams in the preceding tournaments. The 1987 edition witnessed highly contested matches, strategic progress, and the emergence of a new generation of cricketers who adeptly adjusted to the evolving dynamics of the sport. Against the backdrop of an increasingly multipolar global landscape, the tournament symbolized broader geopolitical currents, including the ameliorating relations between the hosting nations of India and Pakistan, as well as the proliferation of commercialization within the realm of cricket. The 1987 Cricket World Cup can be regarded as a pivotal occurrence which went beyond being solely a sporting event, serving instead as a catalyst for significant shifts in the realm of cricket and its intricate connection with worldwide politics and culture.

Cricket World Cup 1987 Venues

The 1987 Cricket World Cup was jointly hosted by India and Pakistan, and was held at a total of 22 stadiums in these two nations. The tournament featured a total of 27 matches. Key Indian venues that played a pivotal role in hosting significant sports events comprised Eden Gardens, Wankhede Stadium and M. Chidambaram Stadium, along with Lal Bahadur Shastri Stadium and M. The Chinnaswamy Stadium, Nehru Stadium, and Arun Jaitley Ground serve as concrete representations of India’s multifaceted cricketing essence. Pakistan’s National Stadium emerged as the primary venue, hosting the highest number of matches, whilst Gaddafi Stadium and Arbab Niaz Stadium also served key roles in the event.

Cricket World Cup 1987 Team List

The esteemed 1987 Cricket World Cup was held in a collaborative effort between India and Pakistan, and played host to a total of eight international teams vying for the highly sought-after trophy. The aforementioned teams comprised Australia, England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, West Indies, and Zimbabwe. Each team was led by a renowned cricketer of the time, with notable individuals such as Allan Border representing Australia, Mike Gatting representing England, Kapil Dev representing India, Jeff Crowe representing New Zealand, Imran Khan representing Pakistan, Duleep Mendis representing Sri Lanka, Viv Richards representing West Indies, and John Traicos representing Zimbabwe. The aforementioned teams consisted of an outstanding assemblage of cricketers, engendering an intensely competitive tournament that permeated cricket history with a lasting impact.

Cricket World Cup 1987 Schedule and Results

Group A

Group B

Semi-finals

Final

Conclusions

The 1987 Cricket World Cup, which was co-hosted by India and Pakistan, represented a momentous milestone in the evolution of cricket. This marked the inaugural occasion wherein the World Cup was hosted beyond the borders of England, thereby establishing a precedent for forthcoming tournaments to be organized by diverse nations. Australia emerged as the triumphant nation, symbolizing the ascendance of a nascent cricketing superpower, under the guidance of their esteemed captain, Allan Border. The tournament showcased exceptional cricket skills exhibited by the preeminent teams and players of the contemporary era. The World Cup presented a platform to exhibit the diverse and lively nature of cricket, featuring matches conducted in multiple venues situated within two nations deeply enthusiastic about the sport. This collective effort significantly fostered the expansion and appeal of the game. The aforementioned occasion, characterized by exceptional exhibitions and fierce contestation, has made a lasting impact on the annals of cricket.