Top 5 Best Cricket World Cup Anthems 

image-ln02juacThe latest CWC 2023 Anthem featuring Ranveer Singh [X.com]

The upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 is a global event that will bring fans all over the world together. Unarguably, cricket is one of the top most watched sports, given its popularity in the Asian subcontinent, which accounts for roughly 2 Billion people. 

The carnival of cricket provides a perfect opportunity for nations, and fans to learn, embrace, and celebrate each other as teams battle it out on the field, much to the joy of fans. In an attempt to create hype and anticipation, World Cups have often produced anthems that captivate audiences and are an integral part of the pre-tournament build-up.

The ICC endorses and provides support for the production and marketing of World Cup anthems, which several times see stand-alone songs being produced by nations at their own expense.


The first-ever World Cup anthem came out for the 1992 edition, and since then been a custom. 

The latest ICC World Cup 2023 anthem ' Dil Jashan Bole' produced by Indian composer Pritam has faced backlash for being too mundane and uninspiring, propelling fans to share older much-better-made songs. 


In this list, we list down the Top 5 Cricket World Cup official anthems, that still continue to remain fresh in the minds of cricket buffs. 


2015 - WDL - Bob's Beat Ft. Mawe

The 2015 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand was one of the most highly-anticipated editions, and where the anthem elevated the competition even more. Known as 'Bob’s Beat', the WDL feat Mawe song got raving reviews from fans irrespective of language, and became an instant hit with fans. Interestingly, WDL is a Swedish-based producer who is known for dishing out EDM-based music. 

2011 - Shankar Mahadevan and Divya Kumar - De Ghumake ft. Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy

With the World Cup returning to India after 1996, the anticipation was at an all-time high. Composed by India's leading musical trio, Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, the 'De Ghumake' anthem is one of the most peppy tracks for any World Cup. The anthem contained lyrics that revolved around the celebration of cricket and explained the up and highs of cricket, while maintaining a perfect fusion of modern and classical beats.

2007 - Game Of Love & Unity - Rupee, Shaggy, Faye-Ann Lyons

In 2007, two-time World Cup winner West Indies were named hosts for the showpiece event. Known for music, dance, and a free-spirited lifestyle, CWI asked the biggest singer from the Caribbean, Shaggy to produce the anthem. Shaggy along with Faye-ann Lyons Rupee came out with the song 'Game Of Love & Unity', which highlighted Windies' love for the sport, and embraced the values of unity, which came from bringing together several islands. Further, the song's foot-tapping music spotlights the region to perfection. 


2019 - Stand By - LORYN ft. Rudimental

England hosted the World Cup for a record fifth time and needed an apt song to ensure that the festivities around the tournament reached its crescendo. The official anthem was composed in collaboration with LORYN and the UK's most popular band Rudimental, named 'Stand By'. The song focused on showcasing a story about the story of every nation coming together, competing, and celebrating the sport in England. 

1999 - Life is a Carnival - Dave Stewart and Chucho Merchán

Host by as many as five nations, the ICC World Cup 1999 remains one of the best ever, given the range of talent that was on offer. British musician Dave Stewart and Colombian singer Chucho Chucho Merchán were approached to form an anthem. The duo released a track called 'Life is a Carnival' which was mostly a rock-based song focusing on how life is a carnival and one should celebrate it to the fullest. 

Other Official Anthems

The 1992 World Cup anthem was named Who Rules The World, a pop song performed by Australian singer Kate Ceberano and New Zealand band Herbs. 

The 1996 World Cup anthem was titled 'Chokra' and was sung by singers Shankar Mahadevan and Shafqat Amanat Ali Khan, composed by AR Rahman. 

The 2003 anthem ' Welcome To Our Home' was in collaboration between South African and Zimbabwean artists named PJ Powers, and Any Brown, composed by Alan Lazar.