Cricket is constantly changing, but this time a new format has been born, which will increase the excitement of cricket even more. For this, West Indies legend Sir Clive Lloyd, former South African captain AB de Villiers, former Australian opener Matthew Hayden and former Indian player Harbhajan Singh have been included in the advisory board for the Test Twenty20 format. Additionally, former Rajasthan Royals CEO Michael Fordham has been appointed as Chief Operating Officer.
What is the new format?
The Test Twenty20 format will attempt to combine aspects of Test cricket with T20 cricket. It will be the world's first 80-over format. However, instead of playing 40 overs together, both teams will play two 20-over innings. Each team will bat twice as in a Test match. The rules of both Test and T20 cricket will apply. All four outcomes are possible: win, lose, tie and draw.
A NEW CRICKET FORMAT INTRODUCED.
– 'Test Twenty' will be launched in January.
– It'll be an 80 over contest combined.
– It'll be played in 4 intervals.
– 20 overs each with both sides batting and bowling twice. pic.twitter.com/HjduXJ6U5G
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) October 16, 2025
When will Test T20 start?
The first season of Test Twenty will start in January 2026. Six franchisees will participate, three from India and three each from Dubai, London and the United States. Each team will have 16 players. This new format was officially launched on 16 October. Test Twenty is the brainchild of Gaurav Bahirwani, executive chairman of the One One Six Network. This format has received wide appreciation from former cricketers.
A NEW FORMAT IN CRICKET – TEST TWENTY
Sports Entrepreneur Gaurav Bahirvani officially unveiled Test Twenty – A new format, platform and global movement that reimagines the future of World Cricket.
AB De Villiers, Clive Lloyd, Matthew Hayden & Harbhajan Singh are part of… pic.twitter.com/2vz2LmrFzS
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) October 16, 2025
What did former players say?
Former South African cricketer AB de Villiers said that the introduction of Test Twenty20 cricket will further increase the enthusiasm and provide ample opportunities for young players. West Indies legend Sir Clive Lloyd said, “Having been through every era of cricket, I can say that the game has always adapted, but never so deliberately. Test Twenty brings back the art and rhythm of cricket, while keeping it alive with modern energy.”
Also Read: What if Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma fail in Australia? Answered by Ajit Agarkar
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