2019 - ICC Cricket World Cup | Unreleased Commemorative Coin

The Government of India had planned to release commemorative coins to mark the ICC 2019 Cricket World Cup, including a ₹1000 coin proposed as the first-ever gold commemorative coin and a ₹500 coin proposed as the first-ever pure silver commemorative coin.

The ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 was one of the most celebrated global sporting events of the decade, bringing together the world’s top cricketing nations for a tournament filled with excitement, anticipation and unforgettable performances. Held in England and Wales between May and July 2019, the tournament followed a round-robin format that ensured every team faced each other in the group stage. This structure created a dynamic and competitive environment, offering spectators numerous high-stakes matches and showcasing the resilience and consistency required at the highest level of cricket.

Fans witnessed a wide range of memorable moments throughout the tournament, including exceptional batting displays, incisive bowling spells and extraordinary fielding efforts. Several matches were closely contested, producing thrilling finishes that captivated global audiences. Weather interruptions, particularly in the early stages, added an element of unpredictability, but the tournament maintained strong momentum. Iconic cricket venues such as Lord’s, The Oval, Old Trafford and Edgbaston elevated the atmosphere, providing historic settings for the many dramatic encounters that unfolded.

The World Cup also stood out for its vibrant fan presence. Supporters from across continents travelled to the United Kingdom, creating a celebratory, multicultural environment. Fan parks, stadiums and city centres came alive with colour, music and enthusiasm, reflecting cricket’s global appeal. Extensive worldwide broadcasting and digital coverage ensured that millions could follow the event closely, making it one of the most widely watched cricket tournaments in history.

Beyond the on-field action, the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 briefly intersected with India’s numismatic landscape. The Government of India had planned to issue commemorative coins to mark the tournament, a rare initiative acknowledging cricket’s immense popularity in the country. The proposal included a ₹1000 coin envisioned as the first-ever gold commemorative coin issued by the Government of India and a ₹500 coin intended to be the first pure silver commemorative coin. Media sources revealed several proposed specifications: the ₹1000 coin was planned as a 5-gram gold coin with an 18 mm diameter, while the ₹500 pure silver coin was expected to weigh 40 grams with a diameter of 44 mm. A marketing image of the coins was even leaked online, gaining widespread circulation among collectors and cricket fans. At that time, the gold coin was estimated to be priced at around ₹18,000, and the silver coin between ₹3,000 and ₹4,000. Reports also suggested that the India Government Mint, Mumbai had obtained permission from the ICC, through the Government of India, to use the official 2019 World Cup logo on the proposed coins.

Despite these developments and the excitement generated by the leaked designs, the Government of India appears to have dropped the plan. The commemorative coins were never officially announced or released, and the theme ultimately remained unrealized in India’s commemorative coin series.

The ICC Cricket World Cup 2019, however, remains etched in the memories of cricket enthusiasts worldwide. Its blend of exceptional cricketing skill, dramatic matches and global fanfare ensured its place as one of the most memorable editions of the tournament, celebrated for the spirit of competition and unity it inspired across nations.