Twenty20: A Shot in the Arm for Pakistan Cricket

Perhaps the Asian market represents the litmus test if Twenty20 cricket is to transform itself from a novel newcomer to a bona-fide global format. The reduced-overs game has been embraced at domestic level in England, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. But a minor tournament last year in Bangladesh aside, Asia has remained slow on the concept - until now. Lahore is this week playing host to the country's inaugural Twenty20 carnival, played over six days and boasting 11 teams with monikers like Dolphins, Panthers and Stallions.