Twenty20 cricket, also known as T20, has completely changed the dynamics of cricket since its introduction in 2003. The format became the most popular and lucrative form of cricket in a short span of time. Initially, New Zealand's Test batsman Martin Crowe developed this shortened form of cricket in the 1990s. However, the official rules for the format were established by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). At the same time, the first tournament was played by the English county teams in 2003.
In view of great success in a short time, other countries also quickly adopted the format. The first official T20 International Match took place between Australia and New Zealand in Auckland in 2005. Soon after the first match, the format became popular among the players, fans and cricket experts. In 2007, the first T20 world cup was played in South Africa. Team India clinched the first-ever title by defeating Pakistan by 5 runs.
Since the first T20 World Cup, many countries have started their own tournaments, in order to boost both revenues and to pave way for new cricketers. These leagues have contributed extremely well in those regards. These tournaments around the world help young and uncapped players to showcase their skills and talent. These events not only help players but also assist national team selectors in choosing the team for team's upcoming tours and tournaments.
The Indian Premier League (IPL), a professional Twenty20 cricket league, was founded by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in 2008. It usually takes place between March and May of every year. Currently, all eight teams play each other twice in the league phase. After the end of the league stage, the top four teams will qualify for the playoffs. Meanwhile, the winner of the first qualifying match between the top two team directly qualifies for the final. Meanwhile, the loser gets another chance to qualify for the IPL final by playing the second Qualifying match against the winner of the eliminator round. The IPL is the 6th most valued league in the world, and most of its revenue comes from broadcasting rights and sponsorships.
The first edition of the Global T20 Canada (GT20) played in June and July 2018. Before this, the International Cricket Council (ICC) sanctioned the tournament in February 2018. Meanwhile, the six teams of the league are as follow – Toronto Nationals, Montreal Tigers, Edmonton Royals, Vancouver Knights, Winnipeg Hawks and Brampton Wolves. The third season of the tournament, slated to be held in 2020, was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic. However, it will now take place from 24 June to 11 July 2021.
The Big Bash League, often abbreviated as BBL is an Australian professional franchise T20 cricket league. The tournament was established in 2011 by Cricket Australia. The league features eight city-based franchises – Adelaide Strikers, Brisbane Heat. Hobart Hurricanes, Melbourne Renegades. Melbourne Stars, Perth Scorchers, Sydney Sixers and Sydney Thunder. At the same time, Cricket Australia announced the commencement of the Women's Big Bash League (WBBL) in the 2015–16 season, with teams aligned to the men's competition on February 19, 2015.
The Caribbean Premier League (abbreviated as CPL or CPLT20) is an annual T20 cricket tournament takes place in West Indies. In 2013, Cricket West Indies founded this tournament in 2013. The inaugural edition of the tournament was won by the Jamaica Tallawahs who defeated the Guyana Amazon Warriors in the final. The tournament takes place between six teams and divided into a group stage and a knockout stage – Jamaica Tallawahs, St Lucia Zouks. Guyana Amazon Warriors, Barbados Tridents. St Kitts & Nevis Patriots, and Trinbago Knight Riders.
The Pakistan Super League (abbreviated as PSL) is a professional T20 cricket league usually held during February and March of every year. The league was founded on 9 September 2015. The first season of the tournament played entirely in UAE due to security reasons. The tournament takes place between six teams – Islamabad United, Karachi Kings, Lahore Qalandars. Multan Sultans, Peshawar Zalmi and Quetta Gladiators.
Almost every country has its own T20 leagues because of the popularity of the format. Players around the world are always willing to participate in them. Meanwhile, these leagues generate a lot of revenue and attract a lot of fans around the world. At the same time, the popularity and success of the IPL has made the tournament as Best Cricket league in the World.
