The only thing that mattered when a team got out on the field in Airtel CLT20 was how well it played the game on that day.

When JP Duminy hit an unbeaten 99 at a packed Chinnaswamy stadium on October 8 to lead the Cape Cobras to victory against the home-boys RCB, it was clear that this tournament was a special and unusual one. A team that was a mere dot on the cricketing map sprung to life and could already boast of an upset win in a major tournament overseas.

Home advantage, international experience, corporate backing had all been touted as the main factors that would influence the course of the tournament. Each of the 23 contests in the inaugural Champions League Twenty20 have been reminders that no matter what the format, location or prize money, there is no substitute for perseverance, team work and the desire to win.

When a competition boasts names like Brett Lee, Herschelle Gibbs, Adam Gilchrist, Anil Kumble, Justin Langer, it is tempting to form a premature opinion about its fortunes. Enter the Airtel CLT20 youth brigade. CJ de Villers, Moises Henriques, Alfonso Thomas, Kieron Pollard, Adrian Barath and a host of other sparkling new names. With each breakthrough performance, the competition - and the cricketing community - has become richer, more vibrant and contemporary. Where it took years for a new player to make his mark on the local, then national and finally, international stage, this competition has eliminated the middle stages and welcomed all aspiring talents to take a shot at global acclaim.

Every game has told a mini story where the protagonist is invariably an upcoming player whose has grabbed the opportunities that have been provided by the contest. This may be Adrian Barath's T20 debut series, but T&T sure has sat up, even jumped up, and acknowledged his contribution. Kieron Pollard has already acquired cult status thanks to his fearless batting and joie de vivre.

The Cobras may have slithered out of the competition, but who can forget the sting in their bowling attack provided by CJ de Villiers? Or the fearsome batting of Rilee Rossouw. Andy Puttick will always be remembered as the captain who took on the reins at the last minute and came up with a gallant century.

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The superb precision of Andrew McDonald, the smiling assassin, was a regular feature in the Victorian Bushrangers' games right till the semi-final. Ravi Rampaul had reserved his best for the biggest encounter. His three wickets in the final for T&T proved he had that rare quality called big match temperament.

Stealing a last ball win is never easy, but Alfonso Thomas ensured Somerset would return home with a brilliant memory in their game against Deccan. The Chargers too had their moments - not least among them was the surprisingly belligerent batting style that VVS Laxman evinced against Somerset.

The big names may not always have fired, but when they did, it was every bit worth the wait. So whether it was Sehwag's blistering 66 off 42 against Wayamba or Herschelle Gibbs' assault on T&T in the semi-final, the stars entertained and inspired. Glenn McGrath grabbed two wickets in a fiery League Stage performance and Dirk Nannes bowled quicker and sharper than ever before in the Daredevils' last encounter. Jacques Kallis had a dream game against the Otago Volts with bat and ball. Dwayne Bravo came good on his reputation, making sure his side made it to the final with a sensational semi-final knock. Stuart Clark bowled match-winning spells for the Blues on at least two occasions, exuding precision and professional skill. David Warner drew praise from experts thanks to a superb run with the bat, especially in the semi-final against Victorian Bushrangers.

And finally, Brett Lee starred in the biggest match of all for the New South Wales Blues. Right through the series, he has proved that he has it in him to restrict the batsmen while attacking them. But no-one was quite expecting a match-winning score from him. His spectacular 48 off 31 balls in the big final was complemented by two wickets up front and a great catch to dismiss Kieron Pollard. A superior effort that ultimately won the Blues the cup.

As the curtains go down on the first ever CLT20, the cricketing world applauds a host of new stars that are sure to provide several years of quality cricket for their respective sides. And though NSW Blues are the proud winners of the trophy, the competition has undoubtedly been a grand victory for the organisers, fans and the sport. Till the next time, Ola, Airtel CLT20!

Courtesy: clt20.com

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