Test Twenty is a new cricket format that combines the strategic depth of traditional Test cricket with the fast-paced excitement of T20 matches. It is played over a total of 80 overs, with each team batting twice for 20 overs per innings, making it a two-innings game compressed into a single day. The format retains the classic cricket outcomes of win, loss, tie, or draw, including the possibility of a super over for relations and certain rules for draws.
The idea behind Test Twenty is to blend the tactical nuances and endurance of Test cricket with the brevity and broadcast-friendly nature of T20 cricket. It is designed for the modern digital-age viewer, offering a condensed yet immersive cricket experience with breaks that allow tactical adjustments. The format has been launched with backing from cricket legends like AB de Villiers, Sir Clive Lloyd, Matthew Hayden, and Harbhajan Singh.
Objective of Fourth Cricket Format “Test Twenty”
It aims to be cricket’s “fourth format,” targeted especially at younger players and fans, with global competitions set to start in 2026. Key features include one powerplay per match, the ability to enforce follow-on if teams lag significantly, and the integration of both traditional and new rules to maintain cricket’s heritage while innovating for the future.
When will ‘Test Twenty’ be played?
According to Moneycontrol, the Test Twenty format will be played internationally for the first time in January 2026. The first season will include six teams — three from Indian cities and three from Dubai, London, and the United States.
This launch marks the global debut of the new format, which is mainly created for young players aged 13 to 19. It combines the strategy of Test cricket with the fast action of T20, all in a single-day, 80-over match. Each team will bat twice for 20 overs each, and the results can be a win, loss, tie, or draw, just like in Test cricket.
Although it’s not officially recognized by the ICC, it’s a privately organized league that aims to make cricket more exciting and popular worldwide. The format is supported by cricket legends and uses new technology to help discover and develop young talent around the world.
Which Countries will host the 1st International Match in Test Twenty Format?
The Test Twenty format is set to begin in January 2026, with the first matches hosted mainly in India. Several Indian cities will take part, using multiple stadiums across the country — a reflection of India’s strong cricket culture and world-class facilities.
- India: India will be the main host for the debut season of Test Twenty. Matches are expected to be played at some of the country’s most iconic venues, showcasing its passion for cricket and support for new formats.
- United States: While the U.S. is becoming more involved in cricket — especially with the T20 World Cup 2024 — there are no confirmed Test Twenty matches planned there yet. However, it could host future seasons as the format grows.
For now, the main focus is on India, where the new format hopes to connect with younger fans and modernize traditional cricket, making India the key center for the first-ever international Test Twenty matches in 2026.
List the Main Rule Differences from Test and Twenty for Test Twenty
Test Cricket
Played over five days with unlimited overs.
Each team bats twice (two innings).
No bowling limit for bowlers.
Focuses on patience, skill, and strategy.
Possible results: win, loss, tie, or draw.
A true test of a player’s endurance and technique.
T20I Cricket
Fast-paced format lasting around 3 hours.
Each team bats once for 20 overs.
Bowlers can bowl a maximum of 4 overs each.
Has a 6-over powerplay for aggressive batting.
Results: win, loss, or tie, with a Super Over to break ties.
Focuses on big hitting, entertainment, and quick results.
Test Twenty (New Format)
A new hybrid format that blends Test match strategy with T20 energy.
Played in one day with a total of 80 overs.
Each team gets two innings of 20 overs each.
Bowlers can bowl up to 8 overs each, with a maximum of 5 bowlers per team.
Includes a single 4-over powerplay for the entire match.
Scores carry over between innings, similar to Test cricket.
Results can be win, loss, tie, or draw, and a Super Session (1-over eliminator) is used to settle ties.
Follow-on applies if a team trails by 75+ runs after the first innings.
Designed for young players (ages 13–19) and modern audiences, combining skill-building with fast entertainment.