Cricket is set for a bold transformation with the unveiling of Test Twenty, a revolutionary 80-over format designed to combine the strategic depth of Test cricket with the fast-paced excitement of T20.
Conceived by sports entrepreneur Gaurav Bahirvani, Executive Chairman of the One One Six Network, Test Twenty is described as the sport’s “Fourth Format”. It will be played over two innings of 20 overs per side, with results including win, loss, tie or draw, much like traditional Test cricket.
“Test Twenty® is not just another league,” said Bahirvani. “It is a living tribute to the spirit of cricket. It preserves the game’s legacy while shaping its future.”
Supporting this vision is a high-profile advisory board that includes cricket legends AB de Villiers, Sir Clive Lloyd, Matthew Hayden and Harbhajan Singh.
De Villiers called the format “innovation with intent, a new dream for players and fans alike.”
Sir Clive Lloyd said it “restores the art and rhythm of the game while keeping it alive with modern energy.”
Matthew Hayden described it as “a bridge between generations,” while Harbhajan Singh praised it as “a fresh heartbeat” the sport needed.
Joining Bahirvani in leading the initiative is Michael Fordham, former CEO of Rajasthan Royals, who steps in as Chief Operating Officer.
Beyond a new format, Test Twenty® is also a global talent ecosystem aimed at identifying and nurturing young players aged 13 to 19. Central to this is the Junior Test Twenty Championship (JTTC), a global programme spanning over 50 countries. Promising cricketers will enter national and international pools through a merit-based selection process, eventually leading to franchise opportunities.
“Our mission is to build the NCAA equivalent for cricket, a merit-based feeder system that empowers young talent everywhere,” said Bahirvani.
The selection process is powered by Test Twenty’s proprietary AI Discovery Engine, which uses video analytics, motion sensors and data science to ensure objective and transparent talent evaluation. The technology will also be shared through Tech-Transfer Partnerships with cricket boards and academies worldwide.
The inaugural Test Twenty® season is scheduled to launch in January 2026, featuring six global franchises, three based in India, and three international teams located in Dubai, London and an unnamed U.S. city. Each team will field eight Indian and eight international players, creating a balanced and diverse competition.
Designed as an immersive, story-driven tournament, Test Twenty® aims to bridge generations, revive cricket’s traditional rhythm, and energise the future of the game on a global scale.
