Cricket is poised to enter a transformative era with the announcement of Test Twenty, a new official format that fuses the enduring strategy of Test cricket with the thrilling pace of T20. Gaurav Bahirvani introduced this innovative concept, set to redefine the game for a new generation.
Test Twenty will feature 80 overs split into two innings of 20 overs each, allowing scores to be carried forward and creating opportunities for wins, losses, ties, and draws reminiscent of classic Test matches but with a modern twist.
A premier Advisory Board comprised of cricket legends such as AB de Villiers, Sir Clive Lloyd, Matthew Hayden, and Harbhajan Singh is charged with shaping the format’s development to enhance skill, character, and inclusivity while respecting cricket’s rich heritage.
| Feature |
Description |
| Overs |
80 total overs, two innings of 20 overs each |
| Result Types |
Win, loss, tie, draw |
| Franchises |
6 (3 international, 3 Indian) |
| Player Selection |
Top 300 youth players aged 13-19 |
With the inaugural season kicking off in January 2026, six franchises will participate, each with renowned players or celebrity owners. A global auction is set to showcase top young talents selected based on analytics and performance metrics.
In a bold move towards inclusivity, women's cricket will be integrated in the second season, expanding the reach of this format across all levels of the sport. Test Twenty aims to serve as an “NCAA-equivalent” for cricket, establishing a pathway for emerging athletes to hone their skills before stepping into the professional realm.
Commitment to fairness is paramount, leveraging cutting-edge technology including AI and motion sensors for unbiased evaluations. Organizers emphasize that Test Twenty is intended to enhance, not compete with, national cricket frameworks.
Renowned cricketers endorse this vision, recognizing its balance of cricket’s cherished traditions with progressive advancements. As AB de Villiers stated, “Test Twenty is innovation with intent, honoring the game while invoking future possibilities.” With this fresh approach, cricket enthusiasts can look forward to an exciting chapter in the sport's history.