Cricket is set to enter a new era with the introduction of a New Format called Test Twenty. Developed by Indian sports entrepreneur Gaurav Bahirvani, the concept aims to combine the thrill of T20 cricket with the classic style of Test matches. The idea has already gained support from cricket legends such as AB de Villiers, Sir Clive Lloyd, and Matthew Hayden.
The New Format will make its debut next year as a youth-focused event featuring players aged between 13 and 19. Six teams will participate — three from India and three from other cricket-playing nations. Organizers say the goal is to reconnect young audiences with the traditional aspects of the sport while keeping the excitement of shorter games.
In this innovative structure, each side will bat and bowl twice, similar to a traditional Test match. The matches will have four innings of 20 overs each and will be played in white uniforms with a red ball. Teams can field up to five bowlers, with each allowed a maximum of eight overs. A four-over powerplay can be used once per game, and a follow-on will be possible if a team leads by 75 runs or more.
Cricket experts have described this New Format as a “creative revolution” that could redefine youth cricket. The format blends old-school technique with modern energy, offering a balance between patience, strategy, and aggression. Advisory board member Harbhajan Singh called it a unique opportunity to inspire the next generation of cricketers.
The inaugural season of Test Twenty will be held in India in early 2026, with future plans to expand to the UAE and Australia. While it may not replace international formats anytime soon, the project’s success could pave the way for similar competitions worldwide.
As cricket continues to evolve, Test Twenty may prove to be the New Format that reshapes the game’s future — preserving its tradition while embracing the demands of modern audiences.
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