Exactly a year to go for the Cricket World Cup 2027. Just a few sets left of Indra Vikram Singh’s three volumes of collector’s edition books on all the 13 tournaments from 1975 to 2023

The Men’s One-day Cricket World Cup 2027 is exactly a year away. Hurry, as Indra Vikram Singh’s three volumes of collector’s edition books on all the 13 tournaments from 1975 to 2023 are almost sold out. The few remaining sets are available at leading bookstores in India, and

Amazon https://www.amazon.in/dp/B0H639BXP2

New Delhi: Variety Book Depot, AVG Bhawan 1^st floor, M-3 Connaught Place (Middle Circle), New Delhi-110001, Phones +91 11 23417175, +91 11 23412567, +91 11 42707723, Email varietybookdepot@gmail.com

Mumbai: The Marine Sports, 63A Gokhale Road (North), Dadar, Mumbai-400028, Phones +91 9323421282, +91 702143389, Email themarinesports@gmail.com

ISBN of the three-volume set 978-81-967423-0-0

MRP of the three-volume set Indian Rupees 12,000

Slip case 9.25 inches (length) x 11.75 inches (height) x 3 inches (width) - (1 set of 3 volumes)

Slip case weight 4.65 kilograms (1 set of 3 volumes)

Published in December 2025 by Sporting Links, this set of books provides a panorama of the premier event in One-day cricket. It narrates a definitive history of the tournament, from its inception in 1975 till the previous edition in 2023. It has been written for the connoisseur as well as the novice, for the collector and the aficionado, for the journalist and the statistician, for the diehard and one with a passing interest in the game. It has something for everyone, and everything about World Cup cricket. It is easy to refer to and provides authentic information about every player, every match and every team, and carries photographs from some of the best professionals in the world. It provides highlights as well as sidelights, and brings to the fore the stars, the nail-biting finishes, the drama and controversy, even the momentary flashes of brilliance.

Featured are classic matches, 86 of the most exciting contests; and memorable performances, 102 brilliant individual feats by different players in various matches. The Hall of Fame sections showcase the exploits of 170 top players in the World Cup. These are all with breath-taking photographs, more than 400 of them, from the best professionals around the globe.

Those interested in numbers will find detailed statistics and records of all the 20 teams, and batting, bowling, allround, wicketkeeping, fielding and miscellaneous records. There are complete scorecards of all the 493 matches played, each tournament in a different colour combination. The batting and bowling averages, and fielding numbers, of all the 1222 players who appeared in the World Cup are incorporated, again each team in a different colour.

The trophies, logos, mascots, sponsorship, prize money and commercial aspect have been encapsulated. The Tailenders provide interesting snippets, the sidelights, lighter moments and trivia. And what is bound to delight the fan is a handwritten letter of Sir Donald Bradman received by the author in 1999. It is a collector’s item for the ages, something to be cherished for years, decades and generations.

Volume 1: Cricket World Cup Odyssey 1975-2007

(edition 2 of ‘The Big Book of World Cup Cricket’ with some modifications)

Contents

Section 1 - Cricket World Cup: A Great Spectacle. This is a snapshot of each of the first nine tournaments played all round the globe, including review, the commercial aspect, sponsorship, logos, mascots and prize money.

Section 2 - Classic Matches. 49 of the most exciting contests.

Section 3 - Memorable Performances. 51 brilliant individual feats by different players in various matches.

Section 4 - Hall of Fame. Match-by match World Cup performances of 75 top players who appeared in these nine tournaments, from Clive Lloyd to Sourav Ganguly, and also comprising interviews with Cup-winning captains Kapil Dev, Steve Waugh and Ricky Ponting. 

Section 5 - Scorecards of all the 303 matches in World Cup 1975 to 2007.

Section 6 - Tailenders: sidelights, lighter moments and trivia.

Handwritten letter of Sir Donald Bradman received by the author in 1999.

Around 225 photographs from the world’s best photographers and agencies.

428 pages.                                        

Volume 2: Cricket World Cup Hat-trick of Home Wins

India 2011   #   Australia 2015   #   England 2019

Contents

Section 1 - Cricket World Cup: A Great Spectacle. This is a snapshot the 2011, 2015 and 2019 tournaments, all won by the host nations India, Australia and England respectively, including review, the commercial aspect, sponsorship, logos, mascots and prize money.

Section 2 - Classic Matches. 28 of the most exciting contests.

Section 3 - Memorable Performances. 36 brilliant individual feats by different players in various matches.

Section 4 - Hall of Fame. Match-by match World Cup performances of 53 top players who appeared in these three and earlier tournaments, from Sachin Tendulkar to Jofra Archer. 

Section 5 - Scorecards of all the 142 matches in World Cup 2011, 2015 and 2019.

Section 6 - Tailenders: sidelights, lighter moments and trivia.

Around 130 photographs from the world’s best photographers and agencies.

328 pages.

Volume 3: Cricket World Cup 2023 A Final Twist

Contents

Section 1 - Cricket World Cup: A Great Spectacle. This is a snapshot of the 2023 tournament, including review, the commercial aspect, sponsorship, logos, mascots and prize money.

Section 2 - Classic Matches. 9 of the most exciting contests.

Section 3 - Memorable Performances. 15 brilliant individual feats by different players in various matches.

Section 4 - Hall of Fame. Match-by match World Cup performances of 42 top players who appeared in this and earlier tournaments, from Virat Kohli to Rachin Ravindra. 

Section 5 - Statistics and Records of all the 13 World Cup tournaments from 1975 to 2023.

Section 6 - Scorecards of all the 48 matches in World Cup 2023.

Section 7 - Batting and Bowling Averages, and Fielding Records, of all the 1222 players who appeared in the World Cup from 1975 to 2023.

Section 8 - Tailenders: sidelights, lighter moments and trivia.

Around 75 photographs from the world’s best photographers and agencies.

372 pages.

The things Maharaja Vijaysinhji of Rajpipla will always be remembered for

Immediately on his accession in 1915, Maharaja Vijaysinhji of Rajpipla began construction of a large civil hospital, and a railway bridge over River Karjan and new terminus right at the edge of the capital town. The railway bridge and station were inaugurated in 1917, and the hospital in 1919.

Infrastructure was always on top of the Maharaja’s mind, and he commissioned a power house and water works.

He then turned his attention to education, and built a stately high school in the early 1930s on a hillock overlooking the new main bazaar that he had laid out in line with contemporary town planning methods. Sports were made compulsory for youngsters and the dhaba ground was laid out for cricket, hockey and football. On the other hand, the Rajpipla Gymkhana and polo ground were set up, along with a public garden for leisure activities of the people. The Rajpipla Chitrashala not only housed a fine collection of art but also trained budding artists.

6th June 1934: Maharaja Vijaysinhji of Rajpipla leading in his colt Windsor Lad after winning the Epsom Derby of England.

Maharaja Vijaysinhji was a horseman to the core. Polo was played every evening in Rajpipla during the winter, and over the years he became a world-famous racehorse owner. His horses won several prestigious races in India, United Kingdom and Europe. He clinched a hat-trick of Derbys, being victorious in the Indian Derby in 1919, Irish Derby in 1926 and reached the pinnacle in 1934 when his Windsor Lad triumphed in the blue riband of the turf, the Epsom Derby of England.

Indrajit-Padmini Mahal, also known as Vadia Palace, dubbed the Taj of Gujarat in its heyday.

While he carried out several benevolent reforms for the benefit of every section of society, his taste and sophistication were reflected in the architectural marvels that he created, principally the Hanumanteshwar Castle on the banks of River Narmada, Sommerville European Guest House and the best of them all, Indrajit-Padmini Mahal also known as Vadia Palace, dubbed in its heyday as ‘The Taj of Gujarat’. 

The aerodrome that he laid out may now be revived with the coming of the Statue of Unity and the growing importance of Rajpipla.

Maharaja Vijaysinhji of Rajpipla, second from left, with Raja Joginder Sen of Mandi, Maharaja Jagatjit Singh of Kapurthala and Maharaja Pratap Singh of Nabha.

Post independence of India came the question of merger of princely States. In 1948, Mr. V.P. Menon, Secretary in the Ministry of States under Sardar Patel, approached Maharaja Vijaysinhji to convene meetings at his seaside home ‘Palm Beach’ on Nepeansea Road, Bombay, with his fellow rulers of Gujarat and convince them to merge their States with the Union of India. Maharaja Vijaysinhji chaired meetings for three consecutive days which went into the late hours, at the end of which he read out a statement on behalf of the rulers of Gujarat announcing their decision to merge their States with the mother country.

He then sailed for England where he had a property ‘The Manor’ at Old Windsor, after handing over the administration of his beloved Rajpipla State to the praja mandal or people’s group for the last few months till it was taken over by the administrator appointed by the government. 

Maharaja Vijaysinhji was a multi-faceted personality, but three things that he will always be remembered for are (a) his great Epsom Derby triumph, still the only Indian owner to win this coveted race; (b) the magnificent Indrajit-Padmini Mahal; and (c) his magnanimous role in the merger of Gujarat States with the Union of India. He left a mark that will not be forgotten for a long, long time.

Rajpipla State, a perspective

 

The last two rulers of Rajpipla State. Maharana Chhatrasinhji (back, reign 1897-1915) and Maharaja Vijaysinhji (reign 1915-1948, titular head 1948-1951).

Sincere thanks for all the good wishes on my 71st birthday, 29th July 2026.

 My sincere thanks to all my dear relatives and friends who wished me on my 71st birthday, 29th July 2026. I am exctremely grateful for your blessings and good wishes. It is a wonderful feeling to be remembered by so many gracious people, and I reciprocate the sentiments in equal measure. Thank you very much. Warm regards and best wishes. 

Gary Sobers, cricketer beyond compare, genius like no other. Excerpt from Indra Vikram Singh’s book ‘Don’s Century’

Just as the memorable careers of the three Ws were drawing to a close, there appeared on the stage a cricketer blessed by nature like no other. Inarguably the most versatile and complete player, with class stamped all over, the left-handed genius Garfield Sobers was the only one apart from Bradman who would walk into everybody’s all-time dream team. To state the obvious, Sobers was a powerful strokeplayer, predecessor to Brian Lara in myriad ways, not the least in hitting up the record score and highest aggregate in Test cricket; bowler of greater variety than anyone in history - genuine speed, medium-pace swing, left-arm orthodox as well as chinaman; and a superb fielder, particularly close to the wicket in the slips or at backward short-leg.  Like Bradman, the game is not likely to see another with his amazing skills.

The doyen himself, Sir Neville Cardus, described Sobers’ batting thus: “He makes a stroke with moments to spare. The sure sign of mastery, of genius of any order, is absence of strain, natural freedom of rhythm.” How aptly can this be applied to sportspersons of any discipline. Brian Johnston, legend in the commentary box, observed Sobers for years. He wrote in his book It’s Been a Piece of Cake: “…..like all the greats - he had a sound defensive technique, but in attack with a high backlift and perfect timing the power of his strokes had to be seen to be believed. His sizzling drives and crashing hooks were hammered to the boundary, leaving the fielders helpless to stop them.”

Sobers never wore a thigh pad, and except for early in his career had no use for a cap, batting or fielding. His rasping cuts were facilitated by a light bat weighing around 2 lb 4 oz. There was no less power in his shots than seen today by those wielding the chunky modern day bludgeons. That is one of the reasons why there are not many players today who can play genuine horizontal bat shots like the cut, pull and hook with authority. Sobers rarely went down the wicket to the spinners, either using his long reach to drive or playing right back.

For someone who was pitchforked into the Test arena as a 17-year-old left-arm spinner in 1953-54 after just two first-class appearances, it is quite amazing that Sobers went on to become one of the greatest batsmen in history. Four years after his debut, he recorded his first Test hundred against Pakistan at Kingston, an unbeaten 365, the top score at the highest level, surpassing Len Hutton’s mark of two decades earlier. He added 446 for the second wicket in the company of Conrad Hunte, just five runs short of the then all-time high for any wicket put up by Ponsford and Bradman in 1934. Sobers celebrated his achievement by hammering a century in each innings - 125 and 108 not out - in the Georgetown Test. He finished the series with 824 runs at an average of 137.33. The legend of Sobers had been launched.

In 1959-60 against England, Sobers hit up 709 runs at an average of 101.28, crashing 226 at Bridgetown, 147 at Kingston and 146 at Georgetown. He put on 399 for the fourth wicket with Worrell in the Georgetown Test. Though a natural successor to Worrell, Sobers was not as diligent a captain as Bradman. From 1966 to 1967-68, Sobers had a golden run with the bat, averaging over 100 in two successive series, and 90 in the third. During the 1966 tour of England, he scored 722 runs at an average of 103.14 in five Tests, took 20 wickets at 27.25 apiece and held 10 catches. England were again given a 3-1 hammering, and Sobers once more hit up three centuries - 161 at Old Trafford, 163 not out at Lord’s and 174 at Headingley. He then went to India in 1966-67, scoring half-centuries in all his five innings with a highest of 95, aggregating 342 runs and averaging 114. By now the West Indies were the best side in the world. In 1967-68 against England at home, Sobers knocked up 545 runs in five Tests at 90.83 per innings but his over-confident declaration in the fourth Test at Kingston - 215 to win in 165 minutes - handed the series to England, who won that game with three minutes to spare, and the crown slipped.

The irrepressible Sobers became the first batsman in first-class cricket to hit 6 sixes in an over for Nottinghamshire against Glamorgan, smashing a bewildered Malcolm Nash at St Helen’s Ground, Swansea in 1968. It was in the evening of his career that Sobers played what Sir Donald Bradman described as the best innings he had seen in Australia, comparing it to Stan McCabe’s superb 232 at Trent Bridge in 1938. He slammed 254 for the Rest of the World against Australia at Melbourne in 1971-72 against a young and lightning fast Dennis Lillee. It was an amazing display of pyrotechnics, and when it reached its crescendo, rousing applause came from the spectators and fielders alike. 

When a damaged knee ended his 20-year Test career, Sobers had become the highest run-getter in his 93 appearances with 8032 runs at an average of 57.78, having blazed 26 hundreds, second behind Bradman’s 29. He had captured 235 wickets at 34.03 each, and snapped up 109 catches. It would be fair to say that had he batted higher than the no. 6 that he often did as captain, and if the West Indies did not have bowlers of the calibre of Wesley Hall, Charlie Griffith and Lance Gibbs, Sobers would have had many more runs and wickets to his credit. Gary Sobers was a cricketer beyond compare. It was just a matter of time before knighthood was bestowed on him.

Now on Amazon. Indra Vikram Singh’s three volume set of collector’s edition books on all the 13 Men’s One-day Cricket World Cup tournaments 1975-2023

 

A three volume set of collector’s edition books on all the 13 Men’s One-day Cricket World Cup tournaments was published in December 2025. Written, designed and produced by Indra Vikram Singh, the books provide a panorama of the premier event in One-day cricket.

This 1128-page set of books commemorates the golden jubilee of the World Cup. It narrates a definitive history of the tournament, from its inception in 1975 till the previous edition in 2023. It has been written for the connoisseur as well as the novice, for the collector and the aficionado, for the journalist and the statistician, for the diehard and one with a passing interest in the game. It has something for everyone, and everything about World Cup cricket. It is easy to refer to and provides authentic information about every player, every match and every team, and carries photographs from some of the best professionals in the world. It provides highlights as well as sidelights, and brings to the fore the stars, the nail-biting finishes, the drama and controversy, even the momentary flashes of brilliance.

Featured are classic matches, 86 of the most exciting contests; and memorable performances, 102 brilliant individual feats by different players in various matches. The Hall of Fame sections showcase the exploits of 170 top players in the World Cup. These are all with breath-taking photographs, more than 400 of them, from the best professionals around the globe.

Those interested in numbers will find detailed statistics and records of all the 20 teams, and batting, bowling, allround, wicketkeeping, fielding and miscellaneous records. There are complete scorecards of all the 493 matches played, each tournament in a different colour combination. The batting and bowling averages, and fielding numbers, of all the 1222 players who appeared in the World Cup are incorporated, again each team in a different colour.

The trophies, logos, mascots, sponsorship, prize money and commercial aspect have been encapsulated. The Tailenders provide interesting snippets, the sidelights, lighter moments and trivia. And what is bound to delight the fan is a handwritten letter of Sir Donald Bradman received by the author in 1999. It is a collector’s item for the ages, something to be cherished for years, decades and generations.

ISBN of the three-volume set 978-81-967423-0-0

MRP of the three-volume set Indian Rupees 12,000

Available at an attractive price on Amazon https://www.amazon.in/dp/B0H639BXP2

Slip case 9.25 inches (length) x 11.75 inches (height) x 3 inches (width) - (1 set of 3 volumes)

Slip case weight 4.65 kilograms (1 set of 3 volumes)

Carton size (4 sets of 3 volumes) 12.75 inches x 13.25 inches x 10 inches (height)

Carton weight (4 sets of 3 volumes) 19 kilograms

Published in India by Sporting Links, 2025 

Distributed in India by Variety Book Depot, AVG Bhawan 1^st floor, M-3 Connaught Place (Middle Circle), New Delhi-110001, Phones +91 11 23417175, +91 11 23412567, +91 11 42707723, Email varietybookdepot@gmail.com

Available in Mumbai at The Marine Sports, 63A Gokhale Road (North), Dadar, Mumbai-400028, Phones +91 9323421282, +91 702143389, Email themarinesports@gmail.com

Export enquiries welcome

Men’s One-day Cricket World Cup 1975-2023. Indra Vikram Singh's three volume set of collector’s edition books showcases all the 13 tournaments from 1975 to 2023

This set of books commemorates the golden jubilee of the World Cup. It narrates a definitive history of the tournament, from its inception in 1975 till the previous edition in 2023. It has been written for the connoisseur as well as the novice, for the collector and the aficionado, for the journalist and the statistician, for the diehard and one with a passing interest in the game. It has something for everyone, and everything about World Cup cricket. It is easy to refer to and provides authentic information about every player, every match and every team, and carries photographs from some of the best professionals in the world. It provides highlights as well as sidelights, and brings to the fore the stars, the nail-biting finishes, the drama and controversy, even the momentary flashes of brilliance.

Featured are classic matches, 86 of the most exciting contests; and memorable performances, 102 brilliant individual feats by different players in various matches. The Hall of Fame sections showcase the exploits of 170 top players in the World Cup. These are all with breath-taking photographs, more than 400 of them, from the best professionals around the globe.

Those interested in numbers will find detailed statistics and records of all the 20 teams, and batting, bowling, allround, wicketkeeping, fielding and miscellaneous records. There are complete scorecards of all the 493 matches played, each tournament in a different colour combination. The batting and bowling averages, and fielding numbers, of all the 1222 players who appeared in the World Cup are incorporated, again each team ina different colour.

 The trophies, logos, mascots, sponsorship, prize money and commercial aspect have been encapsulated. The Tailenders provide interesting snip pets, the sidelights, lighter moments and trivia. And what is bound to delight the fan is a handwritten letter of Sir Donald Bradman received by the author in 1999. It is a collector’s item for the ages, something to be cherished for years, decades and generations.

 

ISBN of the three-volume set 978-81-967423-0-0

MRP of the three-volume set Indian Rupees 12,000

Available at an attractive price on Amazon https://www.amazon.in/dp/B0H639BXP2

Slip case 9.25 inches (length) x 11.75 inches (height) x 3 inches (width) - (1 set of 3 volumes)

Slip case weight 4.65 kilograms (1 set of 3 volumes)

Carton size (4 sets of 3 volumes) 12.75 inches x 13.25 inches x 10 inches (height)

Carton weight (4 sets of 3 volumes) 19 kilograms

Published in India by Sporting Links, 2025

Distributed in India by Variety Book Depot, AVG Bhawan 1^st floor, M-3 Connaught Place (Middle Circle), New Delhi-110001, Phones +91 11 23417175, +91 11 23412567, +91 11 42707723, Email varietybookdepot@gmail.com

Available in Mumbai at The Marine Sports, 63A Gokhale Road (North), Dadar, Mumbai-400028, Phones +91 9323421282, +91 702143389, Email themarinesports@gmail.com

 Export enquiries welcome