Which nation hosted the first Cricket World Cup in 1975?

England hosted the first Cricket World Cup in 1975. The inaugural tournament, officially called the Prudential Cup, was played in England from 7 to 21 June 1975.

Eight teams took part: Australia, England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, the West Indies, Sri Lanka and East Africa. The competition used 60 overs per innings, rather than the 50 overs used in modern World Cups, and matches were played in daylight with traditional white clothing and red balls.

England was chosen partly because it already had the grounds, administrative structure and long summer daylight needed to stage a major one-day tournament. All 15 matches were played in England, with the final held at Lord’s in London. The West Indies defeated Australia by 17 runs to become the first World Cup champions.

India, Australia and the West Indies are common answers because each became an important World Cup host or early power. However, England was the host nation of the inaugural 1975 event and also hosted the next two editions, in 1979 and 1983. The 1983 tournament included one match in Swansea, Wales, but England remained the designated host.