Who first mooted the World Cup cricket tournament?

This signal honour falls on a Sri Lankan:

Gerry Vaidyasekera

CRICKET: I am credited with several firsts in the field of cricket in my beloved country, Sri Lanka in Kurunegala and in Polgahawela. But I cherish most the signal honour of being the first to moot a World Cup cricket tournament. This betters my world record of being the "First Wisden Overseas Correspondent" to celebrate fifty years of service.

I wrote to the Secretary of the MCC in the fervent hope that if my suggestion be accepted, Ceylon as then known, would undoubtedly be World Champions, as later in 1996. At that time we were proud of our talented cricketers. My suggestion bore fruit only 18 years later in 1975, when the first World Cup cricket tournament, officially known as the Prudential Cup as held in England when Sri Lanka participated.

Second thoughts are always best is my reminder to J.A. Bailey, Secretary of the MCC in 1975.

My original letter to the late Mr. Ronald Aird, then Secretary of the MCC and his reply are given below.

"Sekera", Potuhera, Ceylon, 9th October, 1957

The Secretary,

MCCC,

Lord's Cricket Ground,

St. John's Wood,

London, N.W. 8,

Dear Sir,

As one who has been interested in cricket for the past twenty seven years, since when Sir Don Bradman monopolised the cricket tournament with tall scores, I beg to submit the under mentioned suggestion for consideration both by you, as the cricket governing body of the whole world, and the member of the Imperial Cricket Conference.

With a view to promote the game among smaller nations and other nations that are unable to meet the seven Test countries, on equal terms, this conference resolves that a minor test competition be played between these countries, similar to the minor countries championship of England; and that these Tests be recognised as such by this conference. Also these countries be admitted to the Imperial Cricket Conference.

If my suggestion be accepted, countries like Ceylon, Canada, Fiji, Malaysia and Hongkong can take part in this competition. Such a competition will naturally bring these countries close together.

Maryleborne Cricket Club,

Lord's Ground,

London, NW. 8,

15th October, 1957

Dear Sir,

Thank you for your letter of October 9th. I am afraid the rules of the Imperial Cricket Conference in their present form would not allow your suggestion. Much as one likes to encourage cricket amongst ll countries. I doubt whether representative teams from Malaysia and Hong Kong could be regarded as first class.

I wonder too whether from a financial point of view any of the countries you mention could afford to send teams to each other, especially as I think it is very unlikely that such tours could hope to be a financial success. Please do not think that I do not like your idea but I feel that it would not prove a practical one.

Yours faithfully, Sgd/ R. Aird, Secretary, MCC