Originally introduced by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), T20 games were introduced in 2003 for the inter-county competition. The figures were only to increase, with the entry of the shortest format of the game, T20s. During this time, there was a rise in cricket governing bodies. This paved way for the cricket world cup, which has been played every four years since 1975, with few exceptions in between.

The main reason why One Day internationals became a popular choice was because by the end of the game, you surely had just one winner. When we talk about limited overs format, we are only talking about One day internationals right now since the very popular T20 cricket comes much later in the timeline. This meant that the sport would now have a World Cup of its own. The changes were duly made, both domestically and internationally. In the early 1960s, and once again the story moves to England and its counties, the need for a limited overs format was discussed. The longest format of the game, Test cricket, has continued to exist even after so many years. The revered Bombay Quadrangular (held from 1912 to 1936) is one such example.

The same movement was triggered in India, when the East India Company introduced to game to the Indian masses. Since then, cricket has also been able to create a junction where different category of people could compete, but most importantly enjoy the same sport. Slowly and gradually, the game started getting its recognition. Although cricket now attracts money from all corners, it started its journey as a low-profile sport not pursued by many. And to take a little walk down the line in regard to the game of cricket, we go to England in the old days.

In order to celebrate what we have currently, we ought to honour the past as well. Though initially stated to be a children’s game by historians, the game has only gone on to become sophisticated and technical, and hence no longer just a game of bat-and-ball. We are now living in the 21 st century, and as things have undergone changes, evolution so to speak, the gentleman’s game too has evolved into becoming something bigger. While the definition may have worked back in the 16th century when it was first played in South-East England, it may receive unfavourable support now. Some might call the game of cricket a bat-and-ball game.

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