Three months after the death of legendary cricket wordsmith Neville Cardus, who vividly portrayed the romance of the traditional game, the International Cricket Council (ICC) in 1975 held the first World Cup -- an event that in subsequent years catalysed mind-boggling changes in the 22- yard game, multiplying the thrill, money and appeal.
But 40 years back, it was virtually an experimental tournament, with most cricket lovers, including majority of the eight participating teams -- all babes in the new format, ignorant of the rules -- save England, which regularly staged one-day games.
The 15 matches played in a 60-over format -- in conventional whites and with the red cherry at six venues -- June 7-21, nevertheless, were a roaring success, both in terms of spectator support as well as entertainment.
The thrill that one-day cricket could provide was amply evident in Pakistan's Group A clash against the West Indies.
