Test, ODI, T20I—and just when we thought there were enough formats, there is a fourth on the horizon. Called ‘Test Twenty’, the new championship intends to take cricket to all corners of the globe. The new and exciting format was announced by cricketers Matthew Hayden, Harbhajan Singh, Sir Clive Lloyd, and AB de Villiers, alongside tournament promoter Gaurav Bahirvani. The first two championships will be in India, kicking off as soon as January 2026.
“We chose to launch in India because it has the largest cricket audience in the world. The plan is to play here for the first couple of years and then take it on tour to other countries, including non-traditional cricketing nations. We want young players globally to get the same exposure that legends have had,” said Gaurav Bahirvani during a media interaction with the Hindustan Times. He also revealed that teenagers aged 13-19 will have free entry to the matches, simply by presenting an ID card. “It will take time, but we aim to fill the stadiums and generate massive engagement,” he added.
How will Test Twenty work?
The format is a hybrid of Test and T20 cricket. Matches will be played over 80 overs, featuring two innings of 20 overs per side, with scores carried forward across innings—allowing each team to bat twice, similar to a Test match. Rules from both formats will apply, with some refinements to suit the new system.
During the interaction, Sir Clive Lloyd expressed concern over the neglect of Test cricket in recent years. Referencing the West Indies’ 2-0 Test series loss to India, Lloyd said, “Test cricket examines every aspect of a player’s skills. Its decline is worrying, and I want to see it backed and supported globally.” He emphasised that initiatives like Test Twenty could revive interest in the traditional format while nurturing young talent.
The new championship promises not only to provide high-level competitive experience for teenagers but also to give them exposure to international touring conditions. As Bahirvani noted, “The opportunity to travel and play against diverse opponents is invaluable, and it’s exactly what this tournament aims to offer.” Test Twenty could be the next big step in bringing cricket to a wider, younger audience worldwide.
