The latest format in cricket – 3TeamCricket – has been announced by Cricket South Africa. Here’s all you need to know about it.

On Wednesday, Cricket South Africa took to social media to announce the experimental format 3TC. The match is expected to be played on June 27 – should the government approve – and will mark the return of the sport in South Africa following the Covid-19-enforced break.

What’s special about it?

In essence, it’s three teams, two halves and one match – it isn’t a tournament comprising three teams, it’s a match that involves three teams. Each team will have eight players. A total of 36 overs will be bowled, with a half-time break taken at the 18-over mark. Each innings for every team lasts 12 overs, which will be played in split six-over periods. They face one opponent in the first half, and the other in the second.

Who’s your team #3TCricket #SolidarityCup ,come on AB’s Eagles pic.twitter.com/OEmEXsaHxD

— Geoffrey Toyana (@geoffreytoyana) June 17, 2020

I’m confused.

Well, there’s more. In the first half, teams shuffle between batting, bowling and sitting in the dugout. In the second half, the order is sorted as per the highest scores in the first half.

After the fall of the seventh wicket, the last batsman will have no partner. He can only score in even numbers, and should he be dismissed in the first half, the team forfeits the rest of the balls in that half.

Just how does #3TCricket work? 🤔

Our players explain 👇#SolidarityCup pic.twitter.com/GWLfWS4MfF

— Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) June 17, 2020

Err …

No, not done yet. A bowler can bowl a maximum of three overs. And each team has one new ball that they can use for 12 overs. The team with the most runs at the end of it all wins the gold medal, with the silver and bronze medals going to the teams based on runs scored.

Go on, then.

The teams are Kingfisher, Hawks and Eagles, with AB de Villiers, Quinton de Kock and Kagiso Rabada captaining the sides. The event has been christened The Solidarity Cup, with the proceeds from the exhibition match going towards The Hardship Fund, which will look to provide relief for people in the cricket industry affected by the pandemic.

What do the players have to say about it?

“The best part is you get a medal no matter what – best format ever.”

Can’t argue with that.