India, Jan. 30 -- T20s have turned into cricket's biggest draw, with their pace injecting a new sense of excitement and urgency into the game. However, there was plenty of scepticism when South Africa hosted the first T20 World Cup in 2007. Many wondered if traditional cricket fans would actually embrace such a condensed, high-energy version of the sport. Those doubts were quickly silenced as the format delivered intense action, with constant twists and drama in almost every over, hooking fans globally. Over the years, T20 has grown into the game's most financially successful format, playing a crucial role in supporting the cricket economy, while franchise leagues continue to drive its worldwide appeal.

Much of the credit for the format'...