Cricket has unveiled its ambitious "fourth format" with the launch of Test Twenty, a revolutionary concept designed to bridge the gap between the sport's elegant tradition and its modern, fast-paced commercial appeal.
The format, officially endorsed by legends such as AB de Villiers and Sir Clive Lloyd, is structured to deliver the tactical complexity of Test cricket, complete with two innings per side, all within a single day of 80 overs.
The new format is set to debut as the Junior Test Twenty Championship in January 2026, targeting young players aged 13 to 19, with the goal of creating a global, merit-based ecosystem for talent development.
Proud to have launched Test Twenty®️ with @gauravbahirvani. If you’re 13–19 and play with passion, this is your chance. Register: https://t.co/zNFYTDL6lV@The_Test_Twenty @HaydosTweets #clivelloyd @harbhajan_singh #ParitySports #oneonesixnetwork#TestTwenty #FourthFormat pic.twitter.com/FNDYvM6tJf
— AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) October 16, 2025
The rules of cricket’s newest format
- Four Innings in One Day: Each team bats twice, facing two innings of 20 overs each (80 overs total per match). Scores are carried forward, reviving the art of building a game.
- Tactical Depth: Key Test elements are included, such as the ability to enforce a Follow-on if the trailing team is behind by 75 runs or more after the first innings.
- The Conditional Draw: Matches retain all traditional outcomes (win, loss, tie, or draw). Crucially, the team batting second can opt for a Draw if they survive the final innings with fewer than five wickets lost.
- Early Collapse Penalty: To discourage reckless slogging, if a team is bowled out before 10 overs in their first innings, the opponent gains three extra overs.
(Getty)
Why the legends believe Test Twenty is the future
The project has drawn powerful backing, with its advisory board filled by cricketing giants who see the format as essential for the sport's survival and growth.
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Sir Clive Lloyd commented that the game "has always adapted, but never this thoughtfully," arguing that Test Twenty "brings back the art and rhythm of the sport, yet keeps it alive with modern energy."
Similarly, AB de Villiers endorsed the concept, stating: “Test Twenty is innovation with intent, it honours the traditions of the game while embracing the possibilities of the future.
"It gives young players a new dream to chase and fans a new story to follow.”
The format is supported by an AI Discovery Engine, a data-driven scouting network, designed to ensure that talent identification is objective and merit-based.
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