The Cricket is set to unfold a new, exciting format in cricket as Test Twenty has been introduced, which was conceived by sports entrepreneur Gaurav Bahirvani.

The Executive Chairman of the One One Six Network said that the Test Twenty is set to become the fourth format in international cricket.

The Test Twenty has been aimed to merge the strategic depth of Test cricket with the thrill of T20.

The new format has found support from some of the greats in international cricket with the advisory board featuring Harbhajan Singh, AB de Villiers, Sir Clive Lloyd, and Matthew Hayden.

Beyond being just another competition, the larger goal of Test Twenty is to build to global ecosystem that accelerates youth developments through mentorship, technology and cross-cultural exchange.

Rules and Format

The Test and Twenty rules and format will be a perfect blend of Test and T20 cricket.

• The match lasts 80 overs in a single day, with each team batting twice (two innings of 20 overs each).
• The scores from the first innings carry forward into the second innings, perserving continuity and tactics.
• The format will have the traditional outcomes of win, tie or draw while ensuring fast-paced, broadcast-friendly play.
• The format is to target and discover talent globally via an AI-driven scouting system – to objectively assess young players. Auction and ‘wildcard’ pools are involved.
• The inaugural season with six franchises (three in India, three international).

When Does Test Twenty Begin?

The first-ever Test Twenty season is set to kick off in January 2026, bringing together six global franchises – three teams from IPL, three representing Dubai, London and the United States.

Eligibility and Participation in Test Twenty Format

The format will be played between 13 and 19 years old which position its status as a youth development format, aiming to identify future international talent early.

Both boys and girls can compete in the format, with seperate competitions for male and female players. Mixed-gender exhibition possibles are also being explored.

Players from any cricket-playing country can register for trials. The inaugural season has six franchise teams: 3 from India and 3 international teams.

The selection process (players registration) will be through an official online platform.

Support from Cricketing Legends

“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,” said De Villiers.

“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,” said Sir Clive Lloyd.

“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,” said Matthew Hayden.

“Cricket needed a fresh heartbeat — something that connects today’s youth with the game’s original spirit. Test Twenty does exactly that,” said Harbhajan Singh.