Cricket is entering a new age of innovation with the introduction of “Test Twenty,” an experimental format unveiled on October 16 that promises to combine the tactical patience of Test cricket with the adrenaline-fueled tempo of T20 matches. Conceptualized by sports entrepreneur Gaurav Bahirvani, Executive Chairman of The One One Six Network, this “fourth format” has already caught worldwide attention. Endorsed by cricket legends including AB de Villiers, Harbhajan Singh, Matthew Hayden, and Sir Clive Lloyd, Test Twenty is designed to redefine cricket’s competitive and developmental framework for a modern era.​

What is the concept behind Test Twenty?

At its core, Test Twenty is an 80-over contest played across a single day, featuring two innings of 20 overs per side. Each team bats and bowls twice, combining the rhythm of Test matches with the abbreviated intensity of T20 cricket. The results will follow traditional formats — win, loss, tie, or draw — maintaining the authenticity of Test cricket. Matches will be played in whites with a red ball, embodying the essence of traditional cricket while reimagining it for one-day play.​

Bahirvani described it not merely as another league but as “a living tribute to the spirit of cricket.” Its structure aims to preserve Test cricket’s legacy while keeping pace with broadcasting needs and audience engagement in the modern era. The pioneering design encourages a fair balance between bat and ball, offering room for strategies like follow-ons and fourth-innings chases, all within the compact schedule of one day.​

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Technology, vision, and future roadmap for the hybrid format

What distinguishes Test Twenty is its technology-driven approach. Central to the model is the AI Discovery Engine, an advanced analytics platform that integrates motion sensors, video data, and machine learning tools to evaluate cricketers entirely on merit. This system eliminates human bias from talent scouting, helping to identify potential stars aged 13 to 19 on a global scale. Through Tech-Transfer Partnerships (TTPs), the AI technology will be shared with cricket boards, academies, and associations to establish a transparent and data-driven player ecosystem.​

The inaugural season of Test Twenty is scheduled for January 2026, featuring six global franchises: three from Indian cities and three representing Dubai, London, and the United States. Each team will consist of 16 players—eight Indian and eight international—offering a blend of domestic depth and global representation. The platform will serve as a “global feeder line” akin to the NCAA in the United States, providing equitable opportunities for youth cricketers worldwide.​

The advisory board’s reaction reflects optimism about this innovation. De Villiers called it “innovation with intent,” while Lloyd highlighted that it “brings back the rhythm and art of cricket.” Harbhajan viewed it as the “fresh heartbeat” the sport needs to resonate with the youth. As the world awaits its January debut, Test Twenty holds the promise of becoming a defining chapter that bridges cricket’s traditional craftsmanship with the technological dynamism of a new generation.​

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