In a momentous event sure to make memories for all those present, the original ICC ODI World Cup trophy made its way to the ABP office on Monday.
A slew of cricket enthusiasts and ABP staff members gathered to witness this historic moment at 6 Prafulla Sarkar Street in Calcutta since evening. The trophy's arrival was a carefully orchestrated event, complete with a red carpet and an air of mystique as it remained shrouded in a velvet cloth during transportation.
ABP staffs capturing the iconic moment as the original ICC ODI World Cup Trophy graces the office Telegraph Online
Photographers captured every aspect of the trophy's arrival, from the careful unboxing to the moment it was revealed. ABP staff members involved in organising the event shared their insights on the trophy's significance. "Bringing the original ICC ODI World Cup trophy to the ABP office is a moment we've eagerly anticipated. This trophy isn't just a symbol of cricketing excellence; it's a piece of history. It represents the passion and dedication of cricketers and fans worldwide," said one of them.
Former cricketer Jhulan Goswami and actor Saheb Bhattacharya seize the moment with the iconic ICC ODI World Cup Trophy at the ABP office Telegraph Online
Another staff member, responsible for the trophy's safekeeping during its journey, added, "Handling the ICC ODI World Cup trophy is a tremendous responsibility. Its design and craftsmanship are unparalleled, and it carries the dreams and aspirations of countless cricketers who've competed for it over the years."
These insights underscored the emotional and historical significance of the trophy's return. The trophy's arrival was a moment of pride and joy not only for cricket fans but all those.involved in its journey.
When was it made?
An ICC official carrying the trophy as it arrives at the ABP office Telegraph Online
Back in 1999, the cricketing world witnessed history as the International Cricket Council (ICC) created a symbol of timeless grandeur for ODI cricket and designed the present trophy that was displayed at the ABP office in Calcutta on Thursday. Four different trophies had their time in the spotlight between 1975 and 1996, but this was something special.
Crafted by Paul Marsden of Garrard & Co. in London, the present ICC ODI Cricket World Cup trophy stands tall at 65 centimeters and weighs a solid 11 kilograms, making it a true heavyweight. To put it in perspective, the FIFA World Cup trophy is lightweight at six kilograms.
This masterpiece combines silver and gold, cradling a golden globe that resembles a cricket ball, complete with a seam that encircles it. The seam's subtle tilt hints at the Earth's axial dance, symbolizing the unity of 'cricket' and 'world.' Three silver columns, shaped like stumps and bails, support the globe, paying homage to cricket's trinity: batting, bowling, and fielding. It proudly rests on a hardwood base, adorned with the names of cricketing legends.
After winning the 1999 World Cup, Australia celebrated with a trophy, but it was a replica with the event logo and just one engraving. In 2003, Australia won again, and the trophy they got looked exactly like the first one. So, it's hard to tell if Ricky Ponting lifted the real trophy or a copy that year.
In 2011, customs authorities at Mumbai airport held the original trophy, as the ICC refused to pay a customs duty of a reported Rs 15 lakh causing fervent debates among fans and former Indian cricketers. The simmering question of whether it was customary for the original trophy to touch Indian soil perplexed the cricketing nation.
Crafting the ICC Cricket World Cup trophy is a complex and inspiring journey that involves design, precise engraving, and an unwavering dedication to cricketing heritage.The present trophy showcases the event logo engraved within its columns and a solitary inscription at its base as it remains a testament to cricketing excellence and the never-ending pursuit of global glory.
