Test Twenty is cricket’s new format, which was officially introduced on October 17, 2025, as the fourth format of the game after Tests, ODIs, and T20Is. It is created to attract young fans aged 13–19 and mixes the structure of Test cricket with T20 matches. The format has 80 overs in total, with two innings of 20 overs per team, and scores are continued like in Test matches. Matches can end in a win, loss, tie, or draw.
The first edition of the Test Twenty Championship will begin in January 2026, hosted in India for the first two seasons. Entry for teenagers aged 13–19 will be free with a valid ID.
The initiative was launched by Matthew Hayden, Harbhajan Singh, Sir Clive Lloyd, AB de Villiers, and organizer Gaurav Bahirvani. Lloyd praised the format, saying it can help revive interest in Test-style cricket, especially in regions like the West Indies, where traditional Test cricket has declined. The long-term plan is to make Test Twenty a touring league, expanding to non-traditional cricket nations in future editions.
What Is Test Twenty?
Test Twenty is cricket’s newest format that combines parts of Test cricket and T20. It has 80 overs in a single day, divided into four innings, each team bats twice, similar to a Test match. The rules of both Test and T20 cricket apply, with some changes to make the format more exciting, short, and TV-friendly. A match may end in a draw, tie, loss, or victory.
The format focuses on players aged 13–19 and aims to discover and develop young talent globally. In this format, more advanced technologies, such as motion sensors in bats and balls and AI-powered scouting, are reported to be used to help players get better and gain a better understanding of the game.
In January 2026, India will host the inaugural Junior Test Twenty Championship (JTTC). Six franchises will take part: three in India and three international teams based in Dubai, London, and a US city. Each team will have a squad of 16 players with 8 Indian and 8 international players, and a Wildcard Pool of 204 players will allow mid-season selections.
Rules and Format of Test Twenty
Test Twenty is cricket’s newest format that combines features of Test cricket and T20. Each match is played in one day with 80 overs in total, divided into four innings, so each team bats twice. A match may end in a draw, tie, loss, or victory.
It follows the rules of both Test and T20 cricket, but with small adjustments to make the game faster and suitable for broadcasting. The primary goal of Test Twenty is to develop cricket talent globally by focusing on young players between the ages of 13 and 19.
The competition will include six teams, three in India and three internationally in Dubai, London, and a US city. Each team will have a 16-player squad with eight Indian and eight international players. A total of 96 players will be drafted, and an additional 204 players will make up a Wildcard Pool for mid-season picks.
FAQs
Q. What is the Test T20 format?
A. Test T20 is a new cricket format that mixes Test cricket with T20 cricket. The match has 80 overs in total, and each team bats 20 overs in two innings.
Q. What is the format of a regular T20 match?
A. In T20 cricket, each team plays one innings with a maximum of 20 overs. Each bowler can bowl up to 4 overs.
Q. What is Test Twenty?
A. Test Twenty is the world’s first 80-over format. It combines Test strategy with T20 intensity, making matches faster while keeping some Test elements.
Q. What is the structure of T20?
A. T20 is a limited-overs match with two teams, each batting 20 overs (120 balls) in one innings.
Q. What will be the ball color in the new Test Twenty format?
A. Test Twenty matches will be played with the red ball, similar to traditional Test cricket.
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