A new cricket format named “Test Twenty” has been unveiled, offering a fresh approach that blends the strategic depth of traditional Test cricket with the thrill and pace of Twenty20. Introduced by Indian sports entrepreneur Gaurav Bahirvani, executive chairman of the One One Six Network, the format has received backing from former cricket legends including AB de Villiers, Clive Lloyd, Matthew Hayden, and Harbhajan Singh.
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Test Twenty is designed to be played over 80 overs, with each team batting twice for 20 overs per innings, while scores from the first innings are carried into the second. The format preserves the key elements of Test cricket and T20, with minor adjustments to balance strategy, pace, and entertainment. Matches can end in a win, loss, tie, or draw, retaining the unpredictability and drama associated with traditional cricket.
The first phase of Test Twenty will focus on youth development, targeting players aged 13 to 19 worldwide. Participants will undergo a multi-tiered selection process driven by data, analytics, and merit, leading to a Global Auction Pool of the top 300 players. This pool will serve as the talent base for franchise selection in the inaugural season.
The first official season is set to begin in January 2026, featuring six global franchises. Three will be international — based in Dubai, London, and a US city — and three in India, with cities yet to be finalized. Each franchise will be supported by a next-generation celebrity stakeholder, referred to as a “star-kid,” and filled with talent emerging from the annual Junior Test Twenty Championship.
AB de Villiers expressed optimism about the new format, stating, “Many of us have enjoyed the T20 format over the years, but we still hold particular affection for Test cricket — and we want it to be played and enjoyed forever. I genuinely believe this fourth format can add a new dimension to our game.”
The introduction of Test Twenty comes amid growing concerns about the future of Test cricket, particularly for lower-ranked teams that struggle to play the traditional five-day format regularly. While cricket powerhouses like India, England, and Australia continue to play multi-Test series, weaker teams often lack consistent opportunities. The new format aims to create a more inclusive pathway, combining excitement with skill development, while retaining the essence of cricket’s longest format.
Organisers also envision that Test Twenty could complement discussions about a two-tier system for Test cricket, which would allow lower-ranked sides to compete for promotion to the top tier. Although this proposal remains unofficial, the new format provides an avenue for these teams to engage competitively and gain exposure to high-level cricket.
With its debut in January 2026, Test Twenty promises to bring a balanced, fast-paced, and skill-driven version of cricket to audiences worldwide. By merging tradition with innovation, it seeks to safeguard the legacy of Test cricket while appealing to a new generation of players and fans.
