Best of cricket mascots: 10 Instances when Mascots took center stage in cricket

Willow and Yorker- Mascots of the 1999 World Cup

The 1999 World Cup was hosted by England, which was its fourth time hosting the cricketing event after the 1975, 1979, and 1983 tournaments. To create the iconic pictures of the 1999 tournament, the England and Wales Cricket Board engaged the aid of a company named Rainbow Productions. The result of their efforts was named “Willow”- who was a rosy-cheeked boy and 'Yorker', who was a ball with a hat on.

The cardboard cut-outs of the two mascots were displayed at the launch. The cutouts were also made and they were positioned on the MCC benches for photographs, 3D versions appeared at the opening ceremony with two females wearing large costumes and walking near the boundary line. The tournament saw Australia defeat Pakistan in a one-sided final at Lord's to win their second World Cup title.