A revolutionary new cricket format called 'Test Twenty' is set to be introduced in January 2026. Combining the strategic depth of traditional Test cricket with the fast-paced excitement of T20, Test Twenty features each team playing two innings of 20 overs, making it an 80-over match completed within a day. This format preserves the classic elements of Test cricket, such as possible results including win, loss, tie, or draw, while incorporating the thrill and speed of T20 cricketटेस्ट ट्वेंटी.
The format has been conceived by sports entrepreneur Gaurav Bahirvani and is backed by cricket legends like AB de Villiers, Clive Lloyd, Matthew Hayden, and Harbhajan Singh. It targets young cricketers aged 13 to 19 and aims to be a global platform blending traditional attire with modern gameplay. Matches will be broadcast-friendly and immersive, using technological integration such as AI to aid player assessment and talent nurturing.
Six franchises will take part in the inaugural season, including three in Indian cities and three international teams from Dubai, London, and the United States. Each team will have a balanced roster of domestic and international players. The creators emphasize that Test Twenty is more than a new league; it’s envisioned as a long-term evolution preserving cricket’s heritage while appealing to modern audiences and players alike.
AB de Villiers praises the format’s freedom and creativity, saying it allows players to express themselves fully while maintaining the endurance and balance demanded by two innings. This format represents a significant innovation aimed at enriching cricket’s global future while honoring its past.
