ICC Cricket World Cup Trophy [throughout all editions – with pictures]

The ICC Cricket World Cup Trophy, an emblem of cricketing excellence, is presented to the winners of the Cricket World Cup. First introduced in 1999, the trophy encapsulates the essence of the sport and has become a cherished symbol of victory in international cricket. Designed by Paul Marsden and crafted by the esteemed team at Garrard & Co, the trophy represents the core elements of cricket: batting, bowling, and fielding. Standing 60 cm tall and weighing just over 11 kilograms, this gold and silver trophy features a golden globe held aloft by three silver columns, symbolizing a cricket ball and the three stumps. While the original trophy is safeguarded by the International Cricket Council (ICC), a replica, identical in every detail except the inscriptions, is awarded to the victorious team, marking their triumph in this globally revered sport.

World Cup Trophy Design

The trophy stands as a testament to the skill and craftsmanship of its creators, featuring a stunning blend of gold and silver. Its design symbolically integrates the essential elements of the sport – batting, bowling, and fielding, represented by the three silver columns. These columns, modeled as stumps and bails, hold up a golden globe that signifies a cricket ball. The design encapsulates the global reach of the sport, its universal appeal, and the international competition embodied in the World Cup.

The trophy measures 60 cm in height and weighs about 11.0567 kilograms, making it a substantial and impressive award. Constructed primarily of silver, the trophy is accentuated with gold details. The names of previous winners are meticulously engraved on the base of the trophy, which has room for a total of twenty inscriptions. This feature ensures that the legacy of each championship team is immortalized on this prestigious award.

Custody and Replicas

The original trophy is preserved by the International Cricket Council (ICC), maintaining its pristine condition and historical significance. However, the triumph of the winning team is not left unmarked. A replica trophy, identical in all aspects except the inscriptions, is awarded to the victorious team. This allows the team to celebrate their achievement and commemorate their success in the history of the Cricket World Cup.

Continuity and Tradition

The current ICC Cricket World Cup Trophy is a symbol of continuity and tradition in the ever-evolving world of cricket. Created for the 1999 championships, it marked a departure from the practice of crafting a unique trophy for each tournament. This change underscored the ICC’s commitment to maintaining a consistent symbol of excellence and victory in the tournament.

The trophy, designed by Paul Marsden and created by the skilled craftsmen of Garrard & Co in London, took two months to complete. The manufacturing process was later transferred to Ottewill Silversmiths in Ashford, who have continued to uphold the high standards of craftsmanship and quality set by their predecessors.

Past & Current Trophies

Before the current trophy was introduced, the design of the World Cup trophy changed with each tournament, reflecting the influence of the primary sponsor. From the inaugural tournament in 1975 through to 1983, the Prudential Cups trophy was awarded to the winners. With different sponsors came different trophies, including the 1987 Reliance World Cup Trophy sponsored by Reliance Industries, the 1992 Benson and Hedges Cup, and the 1996 Wills World Cup Trophy sponsored by Wills, an ITC brand.

The decision to introduce a permanent trophy in 1999 reflected the ICC’s dedication to establishing a consistent and iconic symbol of cricketing supremacy. The ICC Cricket World Cup Trophy has since become a cherished prize, symbolizing the pinnacle of success in international cricket.

Prudential Cup Trophy [1975 – 1983]

The Prudential Cup Trophy marked the inception of the Cricket World Cup, awarded to the winners from 1975 to 1983 when Prudential plc was the primary sponsor. It was the first official recognition of the champions of this global cricketing event.

Reliance World Cup Trophy [1987]

Following the Prudential era, the 1987 World Cup saw a new trophy, known as the Reliance World Cup Trophy. Sponsored by Reliance Industries, this trophy represented the evolution of the tournament and continued the legacy of the World Cup.

Benson and Hedges Cup Trophy [1992]

The 1992 World Cup brought another change in sponsorship, and with it, a new trophy. The Benson and Hedges Cup Trophy, sponsored by the prominent tobacco firm, was the award of this tournament, held in Australia and New Zealand. It was recognized for its unique design that embodied the spirit of the sport.

Wills World Cup Trophy [1996]

The 1996 World Cup, sponsored by Wills, an ITC brand, introduced the Wills World Cup Trophy. Reflecting the changing face of the tournament, this trophy was a symbol of cricket’s growing international stature and the increasing competition among cricketing nations.

ICC Cricket World Cup Trophy [1999 – Till Now]

In 1999, the ICC introduced a permanent trophy to the Cricket World Cup. Since then, the ICC Cricket World Cup Trophy, designed by Paul Marsden and crafted by Garrard & Co, has become an enduring symbol of cricketing excellence. Made from silver and gold, it features a golden globe held up by three silver columns, representing the core elements of cricket: batting, bowling, and fielding. The trophy is now manufactured by Ottewill Silversmiths in Ashford, with a replica awarded to the winning team.

Also See: ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 Schedule, Match Dates, Timing and Venues