India's unexpected victory in the 1983 Cricket World Cup transformed cricket's global popularity, especially in South Asia.
Key Facts
- Edition
- Third Cricket World Cup
- Dates
- 9 to 25 June 1983
- Participating nations
- 8 countries
- Overs per innings
- 60 overs
- Official name
- Prudential Cup '83
- Winner
- India
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
The Cricket World Cup had been established as a periodic international tournament, with England hosting the first two editions in 1975 and 1979. Eight nations qualified for the 1983 edition, divided into two groups of four, with each team playing the others in its group twice. England, India, Pakistan, and West Indies advanced to the semi-finals.
The third Cricket World Cup, officially the Prudential Cup '83, was held in England and Wales from 9 to 25 June 1983. Matches were played over 60 overs per innings in traditional white clothing with red balls, all during daylight hours. India emerged as the tournament winners, defeating opponents through the group stage and knockout rounds.
India's victory in 1983 was a watershed moment for world cricket, elevating the sport's profile dramatically across South Asia. The win altered the commercial and competitive balance of international cricket, paving the way for India to become one of the dominant forces in the sport and spurring massive growth in its fan base and broadcasting revenues globally.
Result
at England and Wales