History of the first ever Cricket World Cup trophy design

The Cricket World Cup is the pinnacle of the sport today, but have you ever wondered what the ultimate prize looked like when it all began in 1975?

Long before the current gold-and-silver masterpiece, there was the Prudential Cup—the original symbol of cricket supremacy.

Quick Facts: The Prudential Cup (1975–1983)

Feature	Details
Official Name	The Prudential Cup
Inaugural Year	1975 (Hosted by England)
Material	Pure Sterling Silver
Design Style	Traditional Loving Cup
First Captain to Lift It	Clive Lloyd (West Indies)

1. The Era of the Prudential Cup

From 1975 to 1983, the first three editions of the World Cup were held in England. During this period, the tournament was officially known as the Prudential Cup, named after the sponsors, Prudential plc (an insurance company).

Unlike today’s permanent ICC trophy, a new trophy was manufactured for each of the first three tournaments. Interestingly, while the physical trophies were different pieces, their design remained identical. The Prudential Cup, used in the first three ICC World Cups, was designed and manufactured by a team of expert craftsmen at London-based Garrard &  Co.

2. Design Aesthetics: A "Loving Cup" Legacy

The design of the first World Cup trophy was a far cry from the modern globe-on-stumps look.

• The Shape: It followed a classic "Loving Cup" silhouette—a deep bowl with two ornate handles on either side.
• The Craftsmanship: Made entirely of silver, it reflected the traditional English silversmithing style of that era.
• Simplicity: It didn't feature a cricket ball or stumps; its prestige came from its elegant, trophy-like simplicity and the history it was about to create.

3. Why Did the Design Change?

The "First Design" era ended in 1983 when Kapil Dev famously lifted the trophy at the Lord's balcony. When the tournament moved out of England in 1987 (to India and Pakistan), the sponsorship changed to Reliance, and with it, a brand-new trophy was commissioned.

This started a trend where every World Cup featured a unique design based on the sponsor:

• 1987: The diamond-studded Reliance Cup.
• 1992: The iconic Benson & Hedges Crystal Trophy (the only one not made of metal).
• 1996: The Wills World Cup trophy.

4. The Permanent ICC Trophy (1999–Present)

It wasn’t until 1999 that the ICC decided to have a permanent trophy that would not change with sponsors. Designed by Paul Marsden of Garrard & Co, the current trophy features a golden globe held up by three silver columns (representing batting, bowling, and fielding).

Conclusion: The Original Silver Glory

While the modern trophy is worth more in market value, the original Prudential Cup design holds a special place in cricket history. It represents the birth of One Day International (ODI) dominance and the legendary eras of the West Indies and India's 1983 miracle.