Cricket is on the brink of transformation with the official launch of a brand-new hybrid format, Test Twenty, which aims to bridge the gap between the endurance of Test cricket and the entertainment of T20 matches.
Unveiled on October 16, 2025, the format was introduced by South African legend AB de Villiers, alongside icons Matthew Hayden, Harbhajan Singh, and Sir Clive Lloyd — all describing it as “cricket’s next chapter.”
The Concept Behind Test Twenty
Created by Gaurav Bahirvani, Founder and CEO of Test Twenty, the format merges the strategic depth and patience of traditional Tests with the fast pace and thrill of white-ball cricket.
Each Test Twenty match will be completed in a single day, spanning 80 overs — with both teams batting twice in two 20-over innings each. This design allows for tactical play, dynamic scoring, and a more compact viewing experience for modern audiences.
How It Works
In a unique twist, first-innings scores carry over to the second innings, rewarding teams that perform consistently. The format supports all classic outcomes — win, loss, tie, or draw — keeping the traditional spirit of Test cricket alive.
If scores are level after both innings, a Super Over will determine the winner. However, a team ending its innings with five or more wickets in hand can declare for a draw, adding a rare strategic layer to short-format cricket.
Cricket Legends Applaud the Innovation
De Villiers praised the concept for “reimagining the game without losing its soul,” while Hayden called it a “perfect fusion of classic and contemporary cricket.”
Experts believe Test Twenty could rejuvenate global interest in longer-format cricket, offering broadcasters and fans a full Test experience in one day.
