Mumbai: Cricket may soon go through the biggest change it has ever seen. Test Twenty, a new cricket format and worldwide movement, is about to change the way the game is played, enjoyed, and celebrated. It will bring together generations of fans.
Gaurav Bahirvani, Executive Chairman of the One One Six Network and the person who came up with what he terms “the Fourth Format” of cricket, formally announced the concept. The introduction represents the start of a new age in which tradition and innovation come together, and the sport’s timeless beauty fits perfectly with the way people play today.
Bahirvani stated, “This isn’t just another league; it’s a living tribute to the spirit of cricket.” “We’re keeping the game’s history alive while crafting its future. Test Twenty brings back the passion, skill, and endurance of Test cricket in just one day.
The People Who Came Up with Test Twenty
Some of cricket’s most famous players, like AB de Villiers, Sir Clive Lloyd, Matthew Hayden, and Harbhajan Singh, are also on the Test Twenty Advisory Board. They are all helping Bahirvani with this big worldwide project.
Michael Fordham, who used to be the CEO of the Rajasthan Royals IPL franchise, is now the Chief Operating Officer. He has decades of experience in managing sports teams and making money from cricket.
AB de Villiers hailed it “innovation with intent,” saying, “Test Twenty honors the game’s past while looking to the future.” It gives kids a new dream to chase and fans a new story to follow.
Sir Clive Lloyd, the first captain to win the World Cup, called it “A thoughtful revival of cricket’s lost artistry.” It connects the game’s rhythm and grace with the intensity of today.
As a player and a dad, Matthew Hayden said, “I see this as cricket’s bridge between eras.” It helps kids grow up to be better people, not just better athletes.
Harbhajan Singh said, “Cricket needed a new heartbeat—something that connects today’s young people with the game’s original spirit.” That’s what Test Twenty does.
The Four Pillars of Test Twenty: The Beginning of the Fourth Format
1️⃣ A New Format
Test Twenty combines the depth of Test cricket with the speed of T20. There are 80 overs in each match, with each team getting 20 overs. The scores are kept, much like in Test cricket.
This lets for victories, losses, ties, or draws, which keeps the entire range of emotions and strategies in cricket while keeping it short and interesting.
2️⃣ A New Generation
Test Twenty is a global movement for young people, ages 13 to 19, at its core. An AI-powered analytics system makes sure that the selection process is fair and open.
Players who don’t make it to the top nevertheless stay in the ecosystem and can get coaching, mentorship, and chances to go back in.
Women cricketers will also be involved starting in Season 2, which will make sure that everyone has the same chances.
Bahirvani added, “We are making the NCAA equivalent for cricket around the world.” “A connected talent ecosystem that gives everyone the same chances to be recognized, no matter where they live or what their background is.”
3. A New Tech
Test Twenty employs machine learning, motion-sensor technology, and video analytics to objectively quantify talent and potential. It is powered by a proprietary AI Discovery Engine.
Tech-Transfer Partnerships (TTPs) let cricket boards and academies around the world share technology, which makes finding talented players data-driven and fair.
Bahirvani stressed that the platform is not in competition with cricketing organizations. Instead, it works with the ICC and national boards to improve and expand global talent pipelines.
4️⃣ A New Contest
Test Twenty’s first season will start in January 2026. It will have six franchises from around the world: three from India and three from other countries (Dubai, London, and a U.S. city).
Each franchise will choose 16 players (8 from India and 8 from other countries) from a Global Auction Pool of 300 players found through the Junior Test Twenty Championship™ (JTTC), which is the biggest youth cricket discovery event in the world, with players from more than 50 countries.
Players that don’t get picked will go into a Wildcard Pool, where they can be called up in the middle of the season.
Bahirvani added, “This isn’t a league; it’s a championship.” “At the end of each season, we will literally crown the champions—not just for winning, but for keeping the spirit and legacy of cricket alive.”
Support from Legends
Former BCCI Secretary and NCA Chairman Niranjan Shah dubbed Test Twenty “a defining chapter in cricket’s story.”
Madan Lal, who won the World Cup in 1983, said the project “bridges the gap between classic and modern cricket, giving young players a chance to shine.”
AB de Villiers, a renowned cricketer, said,
“Test Twenty is not taking the place of Test cricket; it’s making it better for the next generation. It rewards both strength and style, which is the best of both worlds.
Sir Clive Lloyd said,
“This format brings back the rhythm, patience, and story of cricket, which the modern game has lost.”
Matthew Hayden called it “a bridge between generations and a platform that connects grassroots cricket to the world stage.”
In the end, Harbhajan Singh said,
“For young cricketers, this is more than just a tournament; it’s a journey that shapes who they are as players and as people.”
In conclusion
Test Twenty is a turning point for cricket. It changes the way people compete, the way technology works, and the way people around the world can play the game, all while keeping the game’s spirit alive.
As Bahirvani and his crew get ready for the premiere in January 2026, the world watches as the “Fourth Format” of cricket promises to become more than just a show—it’s going to bring together old and new players and the spirit of the game.
Gaurav Bahirvani Unveils “Test Twenty” — The Fourth Format Of Cricket
