Monday, 5 January 2015
OVERVIEW OF ICC WORLD CUP 2015
How was the ODI format born?
Rain washed off the first three days of the third Ashes Test match between Australia and England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The officials then decided to abandon the match and instead agreed to play a 40-eight-ball-over per side match on the last day of the Test match and the One-Day International format was born on January 5, 1971.
Although the birth of Twenty20 cricket has diminished the image of One-Day International (ODI) cricket of late, the World Cup is still one of the most-awaited tournaments for an avid cricket fan.
How did the idea of a Cricket World Cup evolve?
Limited-overs cricket began to gain popularity in the early 1960s when a number of English counties showed interest to adopt the shortened version of the game, that ended in one day. Spectators welcomed the one-day format and soon many organisations started to stage a number of tournaments. The International Cricket Conference, cricket's governing body then, took note of one-day cricket's growing reputation and came up with the idea of staging a Cricket World Cup and announced that England would host the first-ever Cricket World Cup in 1975.
Since its inception, the World Cup has produced many memorable moments and this time too it promises to be a humdinger.
World Cup Winners
1975 - West Indies
1979 - West Indies
1983 - India
1987 - Australia
1992 - Pakistan
1996 - Sri Lanka
1999 - Australia
2003 - Australia
2007 - Australia
2011 - India
Why is the tournament being co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand?
In 2006, Australia and New Zealand placed their bids to ICC's executive committee, after expressing their willingness to host the 2011 World Cup. However, Asia (India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh) was awarded the tournament after winning by a margin of 7 votes to 4. The ICC then announced that the next edition (2015) would be awarded to Australia and New Zealand.
How different is the tournament to the 2011 edition?
You could see the World Cup being shared for the first time ever! Yes, you read that right. Interestingly, the ICC has revealed that the trophy would be shared, if the final ends in a tie. During the 2011 edition, if a game ended in a tie during the knockout phase, there was a provision to use the One-Over Eliminator (Super Over) to decide the winner. However, this time around, the ICC has made it clear that it would not employ the Super Over rule for tied matches during the quarter-finals and the semi-final stages. Instead, the side finishing in the higher position in the group stage will progress to the next round.
TV viewers will be able to hear the conversation between the on-field umpire and the third umpire whenever the Decision Review System (DRS) is employed. It is the latest addition to the DRS by the ICC to give more transparency into decision making and will help viewers know the different aspects taken into consideration for decision-making.
Only 15 overs of field restrictions will apply, which is five overs lesser than the 2011 World Cup. However, this time, only four fielders will be allowed outside the circle during non-powerplay overs, which is one lesser than the previous edition.
Four years ago, there was a mandatory ball change after 34 overs of an innings. However, the ICC has scraped the idea now and has announced that two new balls, one from each end, will be used during an innings.
The ICC has increased the prize money by 20% from the previous edition. The winners prize money has been set as USD 3,975,000. If the team remains unbeaten in the group stage, the prize money would be added by USD 45,000, meaning that the total amount would be: USD 4,245,000.
While the number of participants (14) remains the same as the previous World Cup, Afghanistan, United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Scotland will replace Canada, Kenya and Netherlands from the 2011 World Cup.
Format
14 teams, spilt into two pools of seven each, will play 42 games in the group stage, with each team playing each other once in their respective pools. The top four teams from each pool will make it to the quarter-finals, from which four teams will be filtered to form the semi-finals line-up. Two winners will then qualify for the final.
Participants
The 10 full members of the ICC qualify automatically, while the top two teams of the 2011-13 World Cricket League (Ireland, Afghanistan) and the finalists of the 2014 World Cup Qualifier (Scotland, United Arab Emirates) form the 14-member contention.
Pool-A
England
Australia
Sri Lanka
Bangladesh
New Zealand
Afghanistan
Scotland
Pool-B
South Africa
India
Pakistan
West Indies
Zimbabwe
Ireland
United Arab Emirates
How the top 10 teams were pooled?
It was according to the ICC ODI Championship rankings, as of 31 December 2012, that the top 10 full member nations were pooled into two groups. The team that was ranked 1 (England) and 4 (Australia) went into Pool A, while teams 2 (South Africa) and 3 (India) went into Pool B. Teams 5 (Sri Lanka) and 8 (Bangladesh) were grouped in Pool A and teams 6 (Pakistan) and 7 (West Indies) in Pool B. Teams 9 (New Zealand) and 10 (Zimbabwe) joined Pool A and Pool B respectively.
Did you know?
After the 2011 World Cup, the ICC announced that the 2015 World Cup would be contested only among the 10 full member nations. This meant that the associate nations would not be eligible to participate and it drew heavy criticism, especially from Ireland, who fared decently in 2007 and 2011. The ICC then reverted back to the 14-team format followed for the 2011 World Cup.
Venues
Totally, 14 grounds, 7 each from Australia (Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Hobart, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney) and New Zealand (Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin, Hamilton, Napier, Nelson and Wellington) will host the World Cup. The final will be played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Out of the 49 matches, 26 will be hosted by Australia.
Who are the favourites?
India - Despite the absence of their key players from the 2011 World Cup squad, the defending champions have managed to piece together a formidable unit. Virat Kohli has grown in stature since the last edition of the World Cup and is breaking many records. Captain MS Dhoni has been as cool as ever and his role in the middle-order has been key to India's success. Bhuvneshwar Kumar has proved the world that fast-bowling is not all about muscles. Mohammad Shami's accuracy has earned him the highest wicket-taker tag in ODIs in 2014 and he plays a big role for the side with the ball. So overall, if the batting line-up clicks as a unit and the bowlers hold their nerve at the death, India are a tough side to beat on their day.
South Africa - Surely, if you have the names, Quinton de Kock, Hashim Amla, Faf du Plessis, AB de Villiers and JP Duminy, then you have one of the strongest batting line-ups, if not the strongest, in the entire tournament. Moving focus to the bowling department, Dale Steyn spearheads the attack, while Morne Morkel and Vernon Philander form an integral part. Boy! This has to be the strongest team on paper. Give them the Cup! Oh hang on! Time and time again, the Proteas bring a strong unit to World Cups, but.....
Australia - Home conditions give Australia a big chance to lift their fifth title. Although George Bailey has showed that he's a good enough leader, a fully-fit Michael Clarke would be vital to Australia's success. While David Warner's presence at the top-order comes as a plus, Shane Watson's role as an all-rounder is pivotal to the side. Glenn Maxwell has earned himself a reputation of being a game-changer, irrespective of the match situation. Mitchell Johnson's thunderbolts would be a batsman's nightmare on those bouncy and pacy pitches. All this forces one to rate the co-hosts highly.
2015 cricket world cup schedule and venue
Feb 14 2015 - Mar 29 2015, Teams: New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Australia, England, South Africa, Pakistan, India, Zimbabwe, Ireland, West Indies, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Scotland, United Arab Emirates.
| ||
| Series Home Play Fantasy Cricket | ||
| Date | Match Details | Time | Venue | D/N | |||
| GMT | IST | Your Time | Ground | City | |||
| Feb 14 - Sat | Australia vs England, 2nd Match, Pool A | 03:30 | 09:00 | 09:30 | Melbourne Cricket Ground | Melbourne |  |
| Feb 14 - Sat | New Zealand vs Sri Lanka, 1st Match, Pool A | 22:00 Feb 13 | 03:30 (Feb 14) | 04:00
(Feb 14)
| Hagley Oval | Christchurch |  |
| Feb 15 - Sun | South Africa vs Zimbabwe, 3rd Match, Pool B | 01:00 | 06:30 | 07:00 | Seddon Park | Hamilton | |
| Feb 15 - Sun | India vs Pakistan, 4th Match, Pool B | 03:30 | 09:00 | 09:30 | Adelaide Oval | Adelaide | |
| Feb 16 - Mon | Ireland vs West Indies, 5th Match, Pool B | 22:00 Feb 15 | 03:30 (Feb 16) | 04:00
(Feb 16)
| Saxton Oval | Nelson | |
| Feb 17 - Tue | New Zealand vs Scotland, 6th Match, Pool A | 22:00 Feb 16 | 03:30 (Feb 17) | 04:00
(Feb 17)
| University Oval | Dunedin | |
| Feb 18 - Wed | Bangladesh vs Afghanistan, 7th Match, Pool A | 03:30 | 09:00 | 09:30 | Manuka Oval | Canberra | |
| Feb 19 - Thu | United Arab Emirates vs Zimbabwe, 8th Match, Pool B | 22:00 Feb 18 | 03:30 (Feb 19) | 04:00
(Feb 19)
| Saxton Oval | Nelson | |
| Feb 20 - Fri | New Zealand vs England, 9th Match, Pool A | 01:00 | 06:30 | 07:00 | Westpac Stadium | Wellington | |
| Feb 21 - Sat | Australia vs Bangladesh, 11th Match, Pool A | 03:30 | 09:00 | 09:30 | Brisbane Cricket Ground | Woolloongabba, Brisbane | |
| Feb 21 - Sat | Pakistan vs West Indies, 10th Match, Pool B | 22:00 Feb 20 | 03:30 (Feb 21) | 04:00
(Feb 21)
| Hagley Oval | Christchurch | |
| Feb 22 - Sun | India vs South Africa, 13th Match, Pool B | 03:30 | 09:00 | 09:30 | Melbourne Cricket Ground | Melbourne | |
| Feb 22 - Sun | Afghanistan vs Sri Lanka, 12th Match, Pool A | 22:00 Feb 21 | 03:30 (Feb 22) | 04:00
(Feb 22)
| University Oval | Dunedin | |
| Feb 23 - Mon | England vs Scotland, 14th Match, Pool A | 22:00 Feb 22 | 03:30 (Feb 23) | 04:00
(Feb 23)
| Hagley Oval | Christchurch | |
| Feb 24 - Tue | West Indies vs Zimbabwe, 15th Match, Pool B | 03:30 | 09:00 | 09:30 | Manuka Oval | Canberra | |
| Feb 25 - Wed | Ireland vs United Arab Emirates, 16th Match, Pool B | 03:30 | 09:00 | 09:30 | Brisbane Cricket Ground | Woolloongabba, Brisbane | |
| Feb 26 - Thu | Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka, 18th Match, Pool A | 03:30 | 09:00 | 09:30 | Melbourne Cricket Ground | Melbourne | |
| Feb 26 - Thu | Afghanistan vs Scotland, 17th Match, Pool A | 22:00 Feb 25 | 03:30 (Feb 26) | 04:00
(Feb 26)
| University Oval | Dunedin | |
| Feb 27 - Fri | South Africa vs West Indies, 19th Match, Pool B | 03:30 | 09:00 | 09:30 | Sydney Cricket Ground | Sydney | |
| Feb 28 - Sat | New Zealand vs Australia, 21st Match, Pool A | 01:00 | 06:30 | 07:00 | Eden Park | Auckland | |
| Feb 28 - Sat | India vs United Arab Emirates, 20th Match, Pool B | 06:30 | 12:00 | 12:30 | W.A.C.A. Ground | Perth | |
| Mar 01 - Sun | Pakistan vs Zimbabwe, 23rd Match, Pool B | 03:30 | 09:00 | 09:30 | Brisbane Cricket Ground | Woolloongabba, Brisbane | |
| Mar 01 - Sun | England vs Sri Lanka, 22nd Match, Pool A | 22:00 Feb 28 | 03:30 (Mar 1) | 04:00
(Mar 1)
| Westpac Stadium | Wellington | |
| Mar 03 - Tue | Ireland vs South Africa, 24th Match, Pool B | 03:30 | 09:00 | 09:30 | Manuka Oval | Canberra | |
| Mar 04 - Wed | Pakistan vs United Arab Emirates, 25th Match, Pool B | 01:00 | 06:30 | 07:00 | McLean Park | Napier | |
| Mar 04 - Wed | Australia vs Afghanistan, 26th Match, Pool A | 06:30 | 12:00 | 12:30 | W.A.C.A. Ground | Perth | |
| Mar 05 - Thu | Bangladesh vs Scotland, 27th Match, Pool A | 22:00 Mar 4 | 03:30 (Mar 5) | 04:00
(Mar 5)
| Saxton Oval | Nelson | |
| Mar 06 - Fri | India vs West Indies, 28th Match, Pool B | 06:30 | 12:00 | 12:30 | W.A.C.A. Ground | Perth | |
| Mar 07 - Sat | Pakistan vs South Africa, 29th Match, Pool B | 01:00 | 06:30 | 07:00 | Eden Park | Auckland | |
| Mar 07 - Sat | Ireland vs Zimbabwe, 30th Match, Pool B | 03:30 | 09:00 | 09:30 | Bellerive Oval | Hobart | |
| Mar 08 - Sun | Australia vs Sri Lanka, 32nd Match, Pool A | 03:30 | 09:00 | 09:30 | Sydney Cricket Ground | Sydney | |
| Mar 08 - Sun | New Zealand vs Afghanistan, 31st Match, Pool A | 22:00 Mar 7 | 02:30 (Mar 8) | 03:00
(Mar 8)
| McLean Park | Napier | |
| Mar 09 - Mon | England vs Bangladesh, 33rd Match, Pool A | 03:30 | 09:00 | 09:30 | Adelaide Oval | Adelaide | |
| Mar 10 - Tue | India vs Ireland, 34th Match, Pool B | 01:00 | 06:30 | 07:00 | Seddon Park | Hamilton | |
| Mar 11 - Wed | Sri Lanka vs Scotland, 35th Match, Pool A | 03:30 | 09:00 | 09:30 | Bellerive Oval | Hobart | |
| Mar 12 - Thu | South Africa vs United Arab Emirates, 36th Match, Pool B | 01:00 | 06:30 | 07:00 | Westpac Stadium | Wellington | |
| Mar 13 - Fri | New Zealand vs Bangladesh, 37th Match, Pool A | 01:00 | 06:30 | 07:00 | Seddon Park | Hamilton | |
| Mar 13 - Fri | Afghanistan vs England, 38th Match, Pool A | 03:30 | 09:00 | 09:30 | Sydney Cricket Ground | Sydney | |
| Mar 14 - Sat | India vs Zimbabwe, 39th Match, Pool B | 01:00 | 06:30 | 07:00 | Eden Park | Auckland | |
| Mar 14 - Sat | Australia vs Scotland, 40th Match, Pool A | 03:30 | 09:00 | 09:30 | Bellerive Oval | Hobart | |
| Mar 15 - Sun | Ireland vs Pakistan, 42nd Match, Pool B | 03:30 | 09:00 | 09:30 | Adelaide Oval | Adelaide | |
| Mar 15 - Sun | West Indies vs United Arab Emirates, 41st Match, Pool B | 22:00 Mar 14 | 03:30 (Mar 15) | 04:00
(Mar 15)
| McLean Park | Napier | |
| Mar 18 - Wed | TBC vs TBC, 1st Quarter-Final (A1 v B4) | 03:30 | 09:00 | 09:30 | Sydney Cricket Ground | Sydney | |
| Mar 19 - Thu | TBC vs TBC, 2nd Quarter-Final (A2 v B3) | 03:30 | 09:00 | 09:30 | Melbourne Cricket Ground | Melbourne | |
| Mar 20 - Fri | TBC vs TBC, 3rd Quarter-Final (A3 v B2) | 03:30 | 09:00 | 09:30 | Adelaide Oval | Adelaide | |
| Mar 21 - Sat | TBC vs TBC, 4th Quarter-Final (A4 v B1) | 01:00 | 06:30 | 07:00 | Westpac Stadium | Wellington | |
| Mar 24 - Tue | TBC vs TBC, 1st Semi-Final | 01:00 | 06:30 | 07:00 | Eden Park | Auckland | |
| Mar 26 - Thu | TBC vs TBC, 2nd Semi-Final | 03:30 | 09:00 | 09:30 | Sydney Cricket Ground | Sydney | |
| Mar 29 - Sun | TBC vs TBC, Final | 03:30 | 09:00 | 09:30 | Melbourne Cricket Ground | Melbourne | |
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