1987 World Cup in India and Pakistan
Hosting the 1987 World Cup in the subcontinent for the first time is a history decision that changed the demography, geography and dimension of cricket.
Then BCCI president IS Bindra and his treasurer Jagmohan Dalmiya fought with their English counterparts. Literally , Dalmiya snatched the rights from officials of England, who were dubious of India and Pakistan’s capacity to host the World Cup.
This World Cup was the 50 overs games. Australia were a champion in front of 12,0000 crazy cricket fans.
Total eight teams participated in this tournament. BCCI who coffer was empty before the tournament was ushered with money. Sponsors and TV broadcasters fought for the broadcasting rights that indirectly benefit BCCI.
This tournament also made Indian fans carry as India were the defending champion of the previous edition. This edition also indicates the rise of eastern imperialism in cricket. Indian’s 1.2 billion population who made cricket their religion started consuming everything that came along with cricket.
The success of this tournament helped BCCI to get the right to host the 1996 World Cup.
Bindra and Dalmiya’s decision to host the tournament made BCCI the richest cricket governing body in the world. The tournament took place in 21 stadiums across India and Pakistan.