EVOLUTION OF THE T20 WORLD CUP

T20 cricket has existed for decades in several countries in myriad forms. One of the earliest formats was Cricket Max, conceived by Martin Crowe, but confined mainly to New Zealand.

The origins of modern T20 games can be traced to the demise of the Benson and Hedges Cup in England. Dwindling crowds and fleeing sponsors forced the England and Wales Cricket Board to seek alternatives, and ECB chief Stuart Robertson’s idea of a 20-over game found favour. English counties competed for the Twenty20 Cup in 2003, and its popularity caught on. The natural progression was the first T20 World Cup in 2007.

Initially, most countries didn’t take it seriously. India sent a second-string team to the inaugural edition in South Africa. Still, the team under new captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni won, much to the surprise of the cricketing world. The event also featured six sixes in an over by India’s Yuvraj Singh. The format was a huge success, and T20 games became a rage. Over the years, several leagues sprouted in cricketing countries and even in Canada.

The ICC T20 Men’s World Cup in the UAE and Oman is the seventh iteration. Since 2007, it has been held every two years except in the year of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup (50 overs). The seventh edition has come after a fiveyear delay but the T20 World Cup is here to stay.

India sent a second-string team to the inaugural edition in South Africa. Still, the team under new captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni won.