New ‘Test-Twenty’ Cricket Format Announced: A Fusion of Tradition and Modernity

The world of cricket, already enriched with its three primary formats — Test, One-Day International (ODI), and Twenty20 (T20) — is about to witness a revolutionary addition. Beyond the experimental 10-over and 100-ball franchise leagues, a completely new format is set to join the fold next year: Test-Twenty.

The announcement came during a virtual event hosted by sports entrepreneur and Executive Chairman of the One One Six Network, Gaurav Bahirwani, attended by cricketing legends such as Matthew Hayden, Harbhajan Singh, Sir Clive Lloyd, and AB de Villiers.

This innovative format aims to blend the strategic depth of Test cricket with the intensity and pace of T20s — a bold reimagining of the game for the modern era.

Each match will consist of 80 overs in total — 40 overs per side, split into two innings of 20 overs each. Like traditional Test matches, both innings’ scores will be combined to determine the final result.

The game can end in a win, loss, tie, or draw.
A draw will be declared if the team batting last retains at least five wickets at the end of the final over. However, even in a drawn outcome, a Super Over will be held to decide a ceremonial winner.

Organisers believe that tactical decisions — such as when to use the Powerplay — will encourage strategic thinking, discipline, and risk-taking, blending the patience of Tests with the flair of T20s.

The inaugural edition of the Junior Test-Twenty Championship is scheduled for January 2026, featuring players aged 13 to 19.

The AI Discovery Engine will shortlist 1,000 players, which will then be reduced to 300 for a global auction pool, from which teams will form their squads.

Advanced technology will play a vital role in player scouting and performance analysis. AI-assisted tracking and bat-ball sensors will help identify and nurture young talents.

The man behind this innovation, Gaurav Bahirwani, described the project as “a bridge between cricket’s heritage and its future.” Speaking to Hindustan Times, he said: “This isn’t just another league. It’s an effort to preserve the essence of cricket while preparing the next generation for a dynamic future. We want this format to uncover and celebrate emerging talent globally.”

South African great AB de Villiers, one of the global ambassadors, expressed his excitement: “I truly believe this fourth format will add a new dimension to the game. Test-Twenty is not a replacement for Test cricket — it’s a reimagination. It rewards creativity and endurance, patience and power — the best of both worlds.”

The Advisory Board includes three other icons — Sir Clive Lloyd, Matthew Hayden, and Harbhajan Singh — all of whom praised the vision behind the project.

Sir Clive Lloyd remarked: “I’ve seen cricket evolve through every era, but never with such thoughtful innovation. Test-Twenty restores the artistry and rhythm of the game while embracing the energy of the modern age.”

Hayden added: “Young players are the future, and this initiative gives them a stage to combine the essence of two formats. It’s a proud moment to be part of something that blends the classic and the contemporary.”

Each Test-Twenty match will last one full day, preserving the tactical depth of red-ball cricket while offering the thrill and broadcast appeal of shorter formats.

Bahirwani summed it up best: “We’re not just creating a tournament — we’re building an ecosystem. Much like NCAA basketball in the US discovers new talent, Test-Twenty aims to become cricket’s global platform for the next generation.”

With the involvement of legends, modern technology, and youthful energy, Test-Twenty could well become the format that reshapes the future of cricket — merging the soul of Tests with the spirit of T20s into one compelling spectacle.