Cricket is stepping into a new era with the launch of Test Twenty, a format officially introduced on Thursday, October 16. Supported by cricket greats such as AB de Villiers, Harbhajan Singh, Sir Clive Lloyd, and Matthew Hayden, this fresh format promises to blend the class of Test cricket with the pace and thrill of T20s.
A New Era Begins
The format, conceived by sports entrepreneur Gaurav Bahirvani, Executive Chairman of The One One Six Network, is being described as the fourth format of cricket, after Tests, ODIs, and T20s. The idea behind Test Twenty is simple to bring together the strategy and patience of Test cricket with the energy and quick results of T20s.
The advisory board of this format
- AB de Villiers
- Harbhajan Singh
- Sir Clive Lloyd
- Matthew Hayden
What Exactly is Test Twenty?
- Each team will get two innings of 20 overs each.
- That makes it a total of 80 overs in a match.
- The match will be completed within a single day.
Think of it as a Test match with T20 speed. This means fans get the strategy, patience, and drama of Test cricket — but in a much faster and more thrilling package.
Also read: NZ vs ENG 2025: England Announces Playing XI for 1st T20 Against New Zealand
What the Legends Said
AB de Villiers
“Test Twenty is innovation with intent, it honours the traditions of the game while embracing the possibilities of the future. It gives young players a new dream to chase and fans a new story to follow.”
Sir Clive Lloyd
“Having lived through every era of cricket, I can say this , the game has always adapted, but never this thoughtfully. Test Twenty brings back the art and rhythm of the sport, yet keeps it alive with modern energy.”
Matthew Hayden
“As a player and a parent, I see this as cricket’s bridge between eras, a format that carries the wisdom of the old world into the fire of the new. For young players, this is a chance to grow not just as athletes, but as people.”
Harbhajan Singh:
“Cricket needed a fresh heartbeat, something that connects today’s youth with the original spirit of the game. Test Twenty does exactly that.”
When Does Test Twenty Begin?
The first-ever Test Twenty season will begin in January 2026. Each franchise will have 16 players:- 8 Indian and 8 international cricketers ensuring a perfect balance of local depth and global talent. It will feature six global franchises, including:
- Three teams based in Indian cities, and
- Three teams representing Dubai, London, and the United States.
Will ICC Teams Participate in this format?
Regarding participation by ICC teams, Test Twenty is not an official format recognized by the International Cricket Council (ICC). Instead, it is a private league organized by The Fourth Format, an independent entity. Test Twenty is a new cricket format designed primarily for young players aged 13 to 19 years.
A New Story for Cricket Fans
Test Twenty is more than just another cricket format, it’s an experiment that connects generations.It wants to bring back the excitement of long-format cricket while keeping the game fast and thrilling for today’s fans.
With top players taking part and a new idea at its core, Test Twenty could become the next big step in cricket, a format that honours the past while looking to the future
Written By:- Manjunath S
