ICC Cricket World Cup Winners: Complete History of Every Edition

The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup is the pinnacle of one-day international cricket, held every four years since 1975. Thirteen editions have been completed, producing six different champions. Australia stand alone with six titles, West Indies and India have two each, and Pakistan, Sri Lanka and England have one apiece.

The most recent edition was won by Australia in 2023, when they beat hosts India in the final in Ahmedabad. The next ODI World Cup is scheduled for 2027 in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.

Complete List of World Cup Winners

The Early Years: West Indies Dominance

The first two World Cups belonged to the West Indies. Clive Lloyd’s all-conquering side won the inaugural 1975 tournament, beating Australia in the final at Lord’s, with Lloyd himself smashing 102. Four years later, they defended their crown against England, powered by Viv Richards’ majestic 138 not out. Those West Indies teams, armed with fearsome fast bowlers and destructive batters, are considered among the greatest sides ever assembled.

1983: India’s Miracle

The 1983 World Cup produced one of sport’s greatest upsets. Kapil Dev’s India, rank outsiders, beat the mighty West Indies in the final at Lord’s by 43 runs, defending a modest 183. Mohinder Amarnath’s all-round heroics won him the Player of the Match award, but it was Kapil’s unbeaten 175 against Zimbabwe earlier in the tournament that had kept India’s campaign alive. The 1983 triumph transformed cricket in India, sparking the game’s explosion across the subcontinent.

Australia’s Rise and Golden Era

Australia won their first title in 1987 under Allan Border, beating England in a thrilling final in Kolkata. After Pakistan’s 1992 triumph under Imran Khan and Sri Lanka’s fairytale 1996 victory under Arjuna Ranatunga, Australia began an era of unprecedented dominance. Steve Waugh’s team won in 1999, and Ricky Ponting’s sides completed a hat-trick of titles in 2003 and 2007, going unbeaten through both tournaments. The 2003 final saw Ponting smash an unbeaten 140 against India, while Adam Gilchrist’s 149 powered the 2007 final win over Sri Lanka.

India’s 2011 Triumph

The 2011 World Cup, hosted in the subcontinent, ended with India lifting the trophy on home soil. MS Dhoni’s famous six to seal the six-wicket win over Sri Lanka in the final at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium is among the most iconic moments in cricket history. Dhoni’s unbeaten 91 won him the Player of the Match award, and India became the first host nation to win the World Cup.

England’s 2019 Epic

The 2019 final at Lord’s between England and New Zealand is widely regarded as the greatest ODI ever played. The match was tied, the Super Over was tied, and England were crowned champions on boundary countback, the most dramatic finish imaginable. Ben Stokes’ unbeaten 84 was the innings of a lifetime, and the victory ended England’s long wait for a 50-over world title.

Australia’s Sixth Title in 2023

The 2023 World Cup in India ended with Australia silencing a packed Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Chasing 241 in the final, Travis Head’s magnificent 137 off 120 balls powered Australia to a six-wicket win over the previously unbeaten hosts. It was Australia’s record-extending sixth title and broke the recent trend of home teams winning the tournament. Pat Cummins’ calm leadership throughout the campaign earned widespread praise.

Team-Wise Title Count

The Road to 2027

The 14th edition of the ODI World Cup will be hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia in 2027, returning to African soil for the first time since 2003. Australia will arrive as defending champions, India as perennial contenders, and the likes of England, New Zealand and South Africa all harbouring realistic ambitions. Qualification pathways are already underway, with the expanded tournament promising new stories.

World Cup Records

Beyond the champions, the World Cup has produced extraordinary individual records. Sachin Tendulkar is the tournament’s all-time leading run-scorer with 2,278 runs across six World Cups from 1992 to 2011. Glenn McGrath holds the bowling record with 71 wickets, his metronomic accuracy making him the most successful World Cup bowler ever.

Virat Kohli’s 765 runs in 2023 set the record for the most runs in a single tournament. These records sit alongside the team honours as the competition’s most cherished milestones, and each new edition brings fresh attempts to chase them down.

Who won the last ODI Cricket World Cup?

Australia won the last ODI Cricket World Cup in 2023, beating India by six wickets in the final in Ahmedabad. It was their record sixth title.

Which team has won the most ODI World Cups?

Australia have won the most ODI World Cups with six titles: in 1987, 1999, 2003, 2007, 2015 and 2023.

Who won the first Cricket World Cup?

West Indies won the first Cricket World Cup in 1975, beating Australia in the final at Lord’s under the captaincy of Clive Lloyd.

When is the next ODI World Cup?

The next ODI Cricket World Cup is scheduled for 2027, to be hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.

How many World Cups has India won?

India have won the ODI World Cup twice: in 1983 under Kapil Dev and in 2011 under MS Dhoni.

Who was the Player of the Match in the 2023 final?

Travis Head was the Player of the Match in the 2023 final for his 137 off 120 balls, which powered Australia’s chase against India.