An exciting new format of Test Twenty cricket was introduced on Thursday 16 October. A format conceived by sports entrepreneur Gaurav Bahirvani, executive chairman of The One One Six Network, Test Twenty is set to become the fourth format of international cricket.
Test Twenty was aimed at combining the strategic depth of Test cricket with the excitement of T20. The new format has found support from some of the bigwigs of international cricket in an advisory committee that includes Harbhajan Singh, AB de Villiers, Sir Clive Lloyd and Matthew Hayden.
So what is this new format all about?
Test Twenty: How Does It Work?
So how does Test Twenty work? The new format is a perfect blend of Test cricket and T20. The Test Twenty20 match will be played over 80 overs, two innings of 20 a side. This allows you to enjoy the essence of the tests in one day.
The format will have the traditional results of win, lose, draw or tie, while providing fast-paced, broadcast-friendly play.
Test the AI twenties link
At the heart of Test Twenty is its innovative AI Discovery Engine – an advanced platform that combines video analytics, motion sensor technology and data science to assess players’ skills and potential with complete impartiality. Through Tech-Transfer Partnerships (TTP), this technology will be made available to cricket boards, academies and associations worldwide, promoting a transparent and unbiased approach to talent identification.
What the legends said
Commenting on the launch of the format, AB de Villiers said that he honors the traditions of the game while looking to the future.
“Test Twenty is innovation with a purpose – it honors the game’s traditions while embracing the possibilities of the future. It gives young players a new dream to chase and fans a new story to follow,” De Villiers said.
Sir Clive Lloyd commented that Test Twenty is bringing back the art and rhythm of the sport.
“I can say I’ve lived through every era of cricket – the game has always adapted but never so thoughtfully. Test Twenty brings back the art and rhythm of the sport but keeps it alive with modern energy,” said Lloyd.
Matthew Hayden feels this will be a chance for the stars to grow into people.
“As a player and a parent, I see it as cricket’s bridge between eras – a format that carries the wisdom of the old world into the fire of the new. It’s a chance for young players to grow not only as sportsmen but also as people.”
Harbhajan Singh said that cricket needs a fresh heartbeat to connect the youth with the original spirit of the game.
“Cricket needed a fresh pulse – something that connects today’s youth with the original spirit of the game. Test Twenty does exactly that,” Harbhajan said.
When does Test Twenty start?
The first ever Test Twenty season is set to begin in January 2026 and will bring together six global franchises – three teams based in Indian cities and three representing Dubai, London and the United States. Each team will feature 16 players, evenly split between eight Indian and eight international cricketers, blending domestic depth with global star power for an exciting new era of the game.
– The end
Published on:
October 16, 2025
