Cricket news: The arrival of the sport’s fourth format - Test Twenty
A bold new era begins as cricket introduces its fourth official format: Test Twenty - a dynamic fusion of Test cricket's depth with the energy of T20.
Unveiled today by sports entrepreneur Gaurav Bahirvani alongside icons of the game, Test Twenty is more than a format - it's a global platform and movement redefining the future of cricket.
Sports News Blitz looks at all the dynamics and impact of cricket’s newest inclusion.
What is Test Twenty?
Test Twenty is a groundbreaking new 80-over format — two innings per side, 20 overs each — combining the strategic complexity of Test cricket with the pace and spectacle of T20.
Like Test matches, teams bat twice and scores carry forward, with outcomes including wins, losses, ties, and draws.
The rules borrow from both traditional formats, with smart refinements to suit a faster, immersive style of play.
Matches are concise and broadcast-friendly, while still rewarding endurance, skill, and tactical depth.
Every over, every decision matters.
The first full season launches in January 2026, featuring six global franchises: three international (Dubai, London, and a U.S. city) and three from India.
Franchises will be backed by next-generation celebrity stakeholders and fuelled by talent emerging from the Junior Test Twenty Championship (JTTC) — a global scouting platform spanning 50+ nations.
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The visionaries behind Test Twenty
Test Twenty is the brainchild of Gaurav Bahirvani, Executive Chairman of the One One Six Network and architect of the fourth format.
Supporting his vision are cricketing legends AB de Villiers, Sir Clive Lloyd, Matthew Hayden, and Harbhajan Singh, who form the Test Twenty Advisory Board.
Joining on the operational front is Michael Fordham, former CEO of Rajasthan Royals, who now serves as Chief Operating Officer.
“I genuinely believe this fourth format can add a new dimension to our game,” said De Villiers.
“We still hold deep affection for Test cricket — and we want it to be played and enjoyed forever.
“Test Twenty is not trying to replace it, but to refine and reimagine it for the next generation. It rewards resilience and flair, endurance and power — the best of both worlds, a new horizon.”
Technology meets talent
At its core, Test Twenty is powered by a proprietary AI discovery engine, combining machine learning, video analytics, and motion-sensor technology to assess player skill and potential with unprecedented accuracy.
Its three-tiered selection model blends machine intelligence with expert review, eliminating bias and making youth talent discovery transparent and merit-based.
Through Tech-Transfer Partnerships (TTPs), this innovation can be shared with cricket boards and academies globally, empowering local development ecosystems with data-driven tools.
Player registration now open
The official player registration portal opened at 19:00 IST on October 16.
Players aged 13 to 19 can begin their journey through parental or guardian registration.
For further details, visit www.testtwenty.com.
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