Cricket continues to evolve, and its latest chapter comes in the form of a brand-new format designed to blend the strategic depth of Test cricket with the fast-paced excitement of T20. Dubbed Test Twenty, this innovative format aims to engage a new generation of players and fans while retaining cricket’s traditional values. The format was officially unveiled by sports entrepreneur Gaurav Bahirvani, Executive Chairman of the One One Six Network and the architect of this revolutionary concept.
Test Twenty brings together cricketing legends, global icons, and cutting-edge technology to craft a modern, inclusive, and competitive ecosystem. The format has garnered the support of some of the most influential figures in the game, including AB de Villiers, Sir Clive Lloyd, Matthew Hayden, and Harbhajan Singh, who collectively form the Test Twenty Advisory Board.
Each of their teams carries a culturally rooted name inspired by Sanatan Dharma, such as Vrindavan Warriors (led by Devkinandan Thakur), Bajrang Blasters (Dhirendra Shastri), Radhey Royals (Indresh Upadhyay), and Raghava Riders (Chinmayanand). According to AB de Villiers, Test Twenty represents “innovation with intent” – a format that honours cricket’s rich traditions while offering fans and young players a fresh, meaningful narrative.
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He explained, “It gives young players a new dream to chase and fans a new story to follow.” Similarly, Sir Clive Lloyd described it as a revival of cricket’s lost artistry, combining rhythm, strategy, and energy for a smarter, faster game. Hayden emphasized the format’s role in mentoring young players, stating it bridges eras and helps athletes develop both on and off the field. Harbhajan Singh added, “Cricket needed a fresh heartbeat – something that connects today’s youth with the game’s original spirit. Test Twenty does exactly that.”
Test Twenty is played over 80 overs, featuring two innings of 20 overs per side, with scores carried forward between innings. It incorporates elements of both Test and T20 cricket, including traditional rules with slight adjustments to suit the fast-paced format. Matches can end in a win, loss, tie, or draw, preserving cricket’s unpredictability while offering concise, dynamic action for broadcast and fan engagement.
#CrickIt | Cricket’s new format, Test Twenty, targets young fans aged 13-19. Launched in India, it consists of 80 overs and two 20-over innings per team.
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Designed as a youth-first platform, Test Twenty welcomes players aged 13 to 21, evaluated purely on skill and merit through an analytics-driven, multi-tiered selection system. Those who do not make the cut remain within the ecosystem, benefiting from training, mentorship, and resources to improve for future seasons. From the second season onward, women cricketers will also be included, ensuring inclusivity and equality in cricket’s next era. Bahirvani compared the initiative to the NCAA system in the U.S., describing it as a “connected talent ecosystem” that provides equal opportunities to young players worldwide.
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The format is powered by a proprietary AI Discovery Engine, which uses machine learning, motion-sensor technologies, and video analytics to assess skill and potential with precision. Its unique three-tiered selection model combines AI-driven evaluations with expert reviews, removing bias and creating a fair talent pipeline. Through Tech-Transfer Partnerships (TTPs), Test Twenty’s innovation can be shared with cricket boards and academies globally, offering developmental insights and verified performance data.
The inaugural Test Twenty season will debut in January 2026, featuring six high-profile franchises – three international (Dubai, London, and a U.S. city) and three Indian. Player registration opens at 7 PM IST on October 16, 2025, with direct entry for candidates recommended by cricket academies or former/professional players. Others will begin with Level 1 evaluations via the AI Discovery Engine, followed by city trials, and advance to national and global pools totaling 1,000 players.
The Test Twenty Intelligence Index™ (TTII) evaluates not just on-field skill but tactical awareness, decision-making, emotional control, and cricketing temperament. The top 300 players from this evaluation enter the Global Auction Pool, where franchises draft 16-player squads, each comprising eight Indian and eight international players. In total, 96 players will be selected, with 204 forming a Wildcard Pool for mid-season opportunities, ensuring a dynamic, merit-based system.
With its combination of tradition, innovation, and inclusivity, Test Twenty promises to redefine cricket’s future, offering young talents a platform to shine and fans an exciting new narrative to follow. It is cricket’s most ambitious evolution yet – a format built for the modern era, powered by data, driven by legends, and designed to connect generations.
