Cricket is on the verge of a major transformation with the introduction of a brand-new hybrid format called Test Twenty, designed to bridge the gap between traditional Test cricket and the fast-paced Twenty20 format.
Officially launched on October 16, 2025, the innovative format was unveiled by South African cricket legend AB de Villiers, alongside former greats Matthew Hayden, Harbhajan Singh, and Sir Clive Lloyd, all of whom hailed the initiative as cricket’s “next chapter.”
The Test Twenty concept is the brainchild of Gaurav Bahirvani, Founder and CEO of Test Twenty. According to Bahirvani, the format aims to combine the strategic depth and endurance of Test matches with the entertainment and brevity of modern white-ball cricket.
Unlike traditional formats, each Test Twenty fixture will be completed in a single day, spanning 80 overs in total. Both teams will bat twice, with two 20-over innings per side — a unique structure that maintains Test-like tactics while ensuring a compact viewing experience.
Adding a twist to the game’s strategy, first-innings scores will carry forward into the second innings, rewarding consistency and balanced aggression. The format accommodates all possible outcomes — win, loss, tie, or draw — keeping the spirit of Test cricket alive.
If the combined totals are level at the end of play, a Super Over will decide the winner. However, a team that finishes its innings with five or more wickets remaining can choose to declare for a draw, introducing a layer of tactical decision-making rarely seen in shorter formats.
Cricket experts and fans have expressed curiosity and excitement over how Test Twenty could reshape the sport’s landscape. By condensing the essence of Test cricket into a single day, the format could attract new audiences while preserving the traditional thrill of multi-innings gameplay.
With support from some of cricket’s biggest names and an innovative structure that respects both heritage and modernity, Test Twenty may well mark the beginning of a bold new era for the game.
