After Tests, ODIs, and T20s, a completely new and revolutionary format is about to be added to the cricket world. This new format, dubbed “Test Twenty,” aims to elevate cricket’s popularity worldwide. This championship is specifically designed for young players aged 13 to 19, who will be able to experience the strategic depth of Test cricket and the fast-paced energy of T20 cricket simultaneously. This is excellent news for India, as India will host the first two seasons of this exciting tournament. Let’s explore this new format, its rules, and the reactions of the legends in detail.
Legends Give a Grand Welcome to the New Format
The official announcement of the “Test Twenty” format was made by organizer Gaurav Bahirwani in collaboration with four cricketing legends. Those supporting this historic initiative include legendary players like Matthew Hayden of Australia, Harbhajan Singh of India, Sir Clive Lloyd of the West Indies, and AB de Villiers of South Africa. The presence of these legends is a testament to how important this new format is for the future of the game.
Sir Clive Lloyd’s Special Opinion
Sir Clive Lloyd, the legendary player who led the West Indies to two World Cup victories, has strongly supported this new format. He expressed concern that Test cricket has been neglected in recent times. After losing the Test series to India 2-0, he stated that, given the current state of the Test format in Caribbean cricket, he supports the introduction of the Twenty20 Test format and considers it a positive step for the future of the game.
India to Host the First Two Seasons
The first season of the Twenty20 Test Championship will begin in January 2026, and India has the privilege of hosting the first two seasons. Organizers plan to hold the tournament in India for the first few years.
It will then be expanded to different countries as a Touring League, giving it international recognition. Additionally, the organizers have made a significant announcement for young people aged 13 to 19. Entry to matches will be completely free for these young spectators who show a valid ID, allowing them to witness this exciting new format up close and be inspired.
Unique Rules for Test Twenty
This new format combines the best aspects of Test and T20 cricket, with some new rules added. Each match will consist of 80 overs. Like a Test match, both teams will play two innings, but each innings will consist of 20 overs. The final result will be determined by adding the scores from both innings.
This means that each team will have the opportunity to bat twice. The outcome of the match can be a win, a loss, a tie, or a draw, keeping the game unpredictable and exciting to the last minute. This new format will teach young players the value of both long-term strategy and fast-paced play at an early age, better preparing them for international cricket.