Twenty20 and the Long Term Future of Cricket

Twenty20 cricket is by far the shortest form of theaudience. These are people who find the longer
game and was first introduced in England. Theversions of the game like test cricket and one day
objective was to bring the game closer in duration tocricket far less appealing in comparison.
other popular sports such as football. It wasBecause twenty20 has been such a success all over
introduced to create a lively form of the game whichthe world, there are some observers who feel that
would be attractive to both spectators at the groundthis cricket cannot be ignored. They predict it will
and viewers on television. In this respect, there is nocontinue to grow in popularity. Test cricket has
denying it has been very successful.always been regarded as the purest form of the
Twenty20 and the long term future of cricket aresport. This is because any deficiencies in players
controversial subjects. Numerous current and formerbatting or bowling techniques usually get exposed at
players believe the 20 over game is the waythis level. In contrast, one criticism of twenty20
forward. They are of the opinion that ultimately it willcricket is that it can be considered something of a
kill off test match cricket. Whether this does happenslog-fest. The correct playing technique is not an
or not remains to be seen. Fortunately, theseessential requirement.
opinions are not mirrored by the vast majority ofWhile there is no shortage of excitement and action
cricket lovers.with twenty20 matches, it should not be considered
In twenty20 cricket, each team bats for one inningsa threat to the test or one day formats. Cricket fans
which, funnily enough comprises twenty overs.love their sport regardless of the format. The entire
Because the matches are not as long as traditionalcricket playing nations all over the globe will continue
forms of cricket, the play is condensed into a muchto support the longer and more established versions
shorter period. This results in plenty of drama andof the sport. The debate about wenty20 and the
action packed entertainment. The birth of twenty20long term future of cricket looks set to continue.
cricket has exposed the sport to a much wider