Test Twenty, a new cricket format is termed as a groundbreaking shift in the world of cricket. This revolutionary format that combines the fast-paced excitement of T20 with the tactical nuance of traditional Test matches. Positioned as the sport’s fourth official format alongside Tests, ODIs, and T20Is, Test Twenty is slated to launch in January 2026.
The concept has been spearheaded by Gaurav Bahirvani, Executive Chairman of The One One Six Network, and has already garnered backing from some of cricket’s most iconic figures. Legends like AB de Villiers, Harbhajan Singh, Sir Clive Lloyd, and Matthew Hayden are lending their expertise to the format as members of its advisory board, signaling strong industry support for this bold new direction in the game’s evolution.
What’s Test Twenty?
Cricket’s new format is a combination of Test cricket and T20. According to reports, each Test Twenty match will consist of a total of 80 overs, featuring four innings—similar to traditional Test cricket. Each team will play two innings of 20 overs each, and like in Test matches, the first innings lead will carry over into the second innings.
The format will also include elements from both Test and T20 cricket, such as the follow-on rule from Tests and powerplays from T20s. Each team can use five bowlers, with each bowler allowed to bowl a total of 8 overs across both innings.
Proud to have launched Test Twenty®️ with @gauravbahirvani . If you’re 13–19 and play with passion, this is your chance. Register: https://t.co/zNFYTDL6lV@The_Test_Twenty @HaydosTweets #clivelloyd @harbhajan_singh #ParitySports #oneonesixnetwork#TestTwenty #FourthFormat pic.twitter.com/FNDYvM6tJf
— AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) October 16, 2025
T20 rules will apply for wides and no-balls, meaning free hits will also be part of the format.
All possible outcomes, win, loss, tie, or draw, are included in Test Twenty. If the total scores of both teams are equal, the match will be decided by a Super Over.
However, if a team completes its innings with five wickets in hand, it will have the option to end the match as a draw.
When Will It Start?
The first official event under the Test Twenty format will be the Junior Test Twenty Championship, scheduled for January 2026. This tournament will feature players aged 13 to 19.
Its goal is to test young players on their resilience, decision-making, and game awareness.
The championship will include six franchise teams including three from India and one each from Dubai, London, and a U.S. city.
Each team will have 16 players, with squads made up of 50% Indian players and 50% from other countries.
