The Journey of Cricket World Cups (1992-1999) - A Philatelic Panorama

In this article, we shall provide a glimpse of the philatelic materials issued during the 1992, 1996 and 1999 Cricket World Cups.

The 1992 World Cup brought in some changes in clothing,use of foodlights etc. South Africa was also re-admitted into the cricketing world.

The 1996 World Cup was played in India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. It was the second time that the world cup was being played in the sub-continent.

Australia's domination of the World Cups started from 1999 onwards.The stamps and philatelic material also introduced some changes like triangular stamps, postcards and stamps with players in coloured clothing.

The fifth World Cup was held in Australia and New Zealand from 22 February 1992 to 25 March 1992. Nine teams participated in the World Cup. South Africa participated for the first time .It was officially known as The Benson and Hedges World Cup 1992.

There were many firsts during this World Cup. The players clothing became coloured, white balls were used for first time, black sight screens and floodlights made their debut at the world cup.

Pakistan led by Imran Khan won the trophy by defeating England by 22 runs in the final at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Pakistan issued a set of three stamps on 27 April 1992 to commemorate its World Cup victory. The three stamps feature the trophy, Imran Khan, a white cricket ball & flags of Pakistan and other participating countries.

A First Day Cover with three stamps from Pakistan to celebrate 1992 Cricket World cup victory

The sixth world cup was played in India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. It was played from 14 February to 17 March 1996 and was also known as Wills' World Cup 1996. Sri Lanka defeated Australia by seven Wickets in the final at Gadaffi stadium Lahore to lift the trophy.

Sri Lanka issued a beautiful miniature sheet containing four triangular shaped stamps to celebrate their victory. The miniature sheet was released on 18 August 1996. The caption on the bottom of miniature sheet read "1996 World Cup Cricket Champions Sri Lanka".

A Miniature sheet with traiangular stamps issued by Sri Lanka to commemorate Sri Lankan victory in 1996 world cup.

Sri Lanka Post also issued a two rupees postcard featuring a triangular stamp design with the World Cup trophy and a batsman. The caption at the base of the stamp reads "6th World Cup cricket champions 1996".

A Sri Lankan postcar to celebrate Sri Lankan triumph in 1996 World Cup..

Bangladesh brought out a set of three stamps on 1996 Cricket World Cup on 14 February 1996.The stamps feature a batsman, bowler and a wicketkeeper.

Stamps ofBangladesh on 1996 World cup.

Bangladesh released a set of two stamps of 8 Takas and 10 Takas denomination respectively on the 1999 ICC cricket world cup held in England . The stamps along with a miniature sheet of 30 Takas was issued on 13 May 1999 to commemorate the 7th Cricket World Cup.

Stamp of Bangladesh on 1999 Cricket world cup

Nepal issued a Souvenir cover to commemorate the 1999 cricket world cup final held at Lord's between Pakistan and Australia on 20 June 1999.This cover was released in Kathmandu.

A souvenir cover of Nepal-1999 Cricket world cup final at Lord's.

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