So much of all that has happened recently in cricket (namely the IPL and ICL, the now-controversial Twenty20 Champions League and the £10m Stanford matches), can be traced back to India’s victory over Pakistan in the final of the first World 20/20.
The game itself was a classic, following on from the first match between the sides in the competition, which was decided on a bowl-out, and is arguably responsible for the massive popularity of the format on the subcontinent.
Despite claims at the time that Twenty20 wouldn’t overtake 50-over ODIs, the abolition of the 50-over game looks closer than ever…
Remeber watching that match. Best part about it all was that India had beaten Australia in the semi-final! Heck even mum watched it. Now that’s saying something!
It does seem as if the final was the starting point for the IPL and ICL, which as gone on to produce the Champions League.
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