| The game of cricket always had two official versions, | | | | is an annual event. The 2008 version brought over a |
| the five day test match and the one day 50 overs | | | | billion dollars in revenues to everyone involved. |
| match. Since last 2-3 years, the hottest form of | | | | The popularity of the other forms of the game are |
| cricket is T20 or Twenty twenty or 20-20 cricket. | | | | waning. People like to enjoy the shortened games |
| This is a 20-over game per side. It takes around 3-3.5 | | | | because of the glamor and fun involved. There are |
| hours to complete a single game. This shortening of | | | | cheerleaders for every team who cheer every |
| the time period has helped to increase the popularity | | | | wicket, four or six. Popular songs are blasted on the |
| of the game. Now, people don't have to watch the | | | | stadium speakers. The shorter boundaries help more |
| game for an entire day or more. It is more like a | | | | aerial shots and hence the fun. Even girls are |
| game of football/soccer where the game starts in | | | | watching this version of cricket which wasn't the |
| the evening and ends in 3 hours. | | | | case earlier. Popular celebrities are called in to give |
| T20 cricket has also brought in a new generation of | | | | their views on TV and this has helped increase the |
| cricketers, namely T20 experts. Cricketers proficient | | | | mass appeal of the game. It is not just technique, |
| in power hitting from ball one have become | | | | but more of slam-bang. More new younger players |
| extremely important. The inaugural world t20 cup held | | | | are getting the chance to play for big teams. Thus |
| in South Africa in 2007 was a very successful | | | | twenty 20 cricket has proved to be very successful |
| sporting event. Since then, the popularity of this | | | | both in terms of money and public support. It is here |
| version has skyrocketed. The highly successful Indian | | | | to stay. |
| premier league was started by the BCCI in 2008. This | | | | |