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Date added: 01 Dec 2022 The Rise of 20/20 Cricket in the New Century

Twenty Twenty Cricket T20

In the past, every young cricketer dreamt of donning the baggy greens and test whites. Today, some of those dreams have become a lot more colourful! With the rise of 20/20 cricket, lots of youngsters are now dreaming of fame and fortune in the revolutionised shorter version of the game. But how did this happen and what does it mean for the game? Let’s find out.

 

The Shortest Form of the Game

Twenty/20 Cricket took over from One Day Cricket as the shortest form of the game in the early 2000s. It was originally an English marketing concept and it is now a global, multi-billion dollar sport. Unlike Test cricket, which usually lasts 4-5 days, 20/20 is the shortest of the limited-over forms of the game. Each team has 20 overs to make as many runs as they can. It is exciting, electric, and quick.  

 

Where Did It Come from?

Similar to World Series Limited Overs cricket decades before, the cricketing administrations around the world were seeing declines in crowd attendance, and viewing figures. Domestic 20/20 leagues started to pop up with reduced entry prices and Americanised side entertainment like cheerleading, live music, and fireworks. In 2005 Australia and New Zealand versed each other in the first ever official 20/20 international.  

 

What Has Made It So Popular?

Apart from the heightened intensity brought about by the nature of the shortened game, there are several other attractive qualities. The entertainment drive behind the form means that it is a more crowd-focused game. Unlike Test cricket, it is not steeped in history and tradition. Players are able to take 20/20 less seriously, often dressing up in retro attire, or sporting their nicknames and interacting with the fans. With technology advancing alongside 20/20, new and previously unheard of aspects of the game are now accessible for the coverage and the crowds. Players wearing microphones is one of the more popular new technologies used in 20/20. This allows commentators to talk to players live on the ground, discussing tactics, antics, and semantics.  

 

Explosion and Growth

The inaugural World Twenty20 tournament was played in South Africa in 2007. A final between two of the world’s biggest rivals in India and Pakistan was a dream event for the form. In 2008, the Indian Premier League (IPL) debuted with a broadcast deal with $US1.4 billion. Players start being bought by teams in the Test off-season for millions of dollars – far outweighing their country salaries.

 

20/20 Style of Play 

The shortened form of the game demands extravagant and attacking stroke play. Many of the biggest hitters in world cricket see 20/20 as a chance to experiment with equipment and technique. Matthew Hayden made headlines when he experimented with a “Mongoose” bat, which was designed with a long handle and a meaty middle. While it wasn’t unsuccessful, the bat didn’t catch on. The recent favouring of big hitting players in world cricket has even seen an explosion in bat technology and design. Many of the best 20/20 players collaborate with the big bat makers to design big hitting bats. The New Balance TC660, for instance, was designed in conjunction with Aaron Finch; this blade is the attacking batsman’s dream. With a traditional middle profile, a high-peaking spine and maximum edges, you’ll be hitting more boundaries than you can count. Similarly, the Kookaburra Ghost Pro has a shortened face with a longer handle. It is the supreme bat for the big hitter and a much-improved version of what Hayden was experimenting with years before.    

 

 

20/20 Cricket has accelerated and changed the way the game is played across all forms. For this reason, the equipment is changing too. Keep up with the trends by visiting a cricket specialist. With our great range of equipment, you too can hit them out of the stands!