Test Twenty Cricket: Debut Date, Rules & Player Eligibility

By Harshit - Oct 17, 2025 06:10 PM
Last updated on Oct 18, 2025 11:23 AM

Cricket is about to welcome a new and exciting format called Test Twenty, designed specifically for young players aged between 13 and 19. Combining the depth and strategy of traditional Test cricket with the thrill and pace of T20, Test Twenty promises a fresh challenge for budding cricketers. With four innings of twenty overs each, played in whites with a red ball, it blends classic cricket aesthetics with modern excitement.

The brainchild of sports entrepreneur Gaurav Bahirvani and supported by legendary cricketers Sir Clive Lloyd, Matthew Hayden, AB de Villiers, and Harbhajan Singh, Test Twenty aims to provide a platform where young talent can flourish. Though the International Cricket Council (ICC) has yet to approve this format, the privately managed initiative is already capturing attention globally.

Test Twenty retains key elements of traditional cricket, including the possibility of wins, losses, ties, and draws. Teams can enforce follow-ons, employ PowerPlay overs, and make tactical decisions that mirror the strategic depth of Test matches. The format is designed to help young players develop skills, decision-making, and tactical awareness while keeping the game fast-paced and engaging.

Structure and Rules of Test Twenty

Each Test Twenty match consists of a total of 80 overs, split into four innings of 20 overs per side. Teams bat twice, with aggregate totals across innings determining the result. The format allows a maximum of five bowlers per team, each limited to eight overs, ensuring strategic rotation and careful planning. Four PowerPlay overs per innings add a tactical dimension, encouraging aggressive play at key moments.

Traditional Test concepts such as follow-ons are incorporated, allowing a team to enforce it with a first-innings lead of 75 runs or more. Despite the modifications, the essence of cricket remains intact, with matches concluding in wins, losses, ties, or draws, giving players exposure to the strategic depth of longer formats while embracing the pace of modern cricket.

Inaugural Season and Global Franchises

The first-ever Test Twenty season is set to launch in January 2026 in India. It will feature six franchises: three from Indian cities and three international teams based in Dubai, London, and the United States. Each 16-player squad will include eight Indian players and eight international talents, promoting a unique mix of local and global cricketing styles.

Player registration opened on 16 October 2025 for cricketers aged 13–19 at www.testwenty.com/register. The inaugural season will be for boys only, with a girls’ tournament expected to be introduced in the second season. This careful phased rollout ensures structured growth while offering young players an international-level platform.

Visionaries Behind Test Twenty

Gaurav Bahirvani, Executive Chairman of The One One Six Network, conceptualized Test Twenty as a bridge between cricket’s rich history and its modern evolution. Speaking at the launch, Bahirvani stated, “This isn’t another league, it’s a living tribute to the spirit of cricket. Test Twenty preserves the game’s legacy while shaping its future.”

The advisory board includes legends like Sir Clive Lloyd, Matthew Hayden, AB de Villiers, and Harbhajan Singh. Lloyd remarked that the format revives cricket’s rhythm and artistry while integrating modern energy, while de Villiers highlighted its potential to inspire young players and give fans a fresh narrative to follow. Their involvement lends credibility and expertise to the project.

Player Eligibility and Registration

Test Twenty is exclusively for players aged 13 to 19. The format encourages the development of skills suitable for professional progression, focusing on tactical awareness, match temperament, and strategic thinking. Registration is mandatory for all participants, with each franchise assembling 16-player squads to balance local and international talent.

The inaugural season prioritizes boys’ participation, with plans for girls’ involvement from the second season onward. This structured approach allows organizers to refine operational aspects, rules, and logistics before expanding to a broader demographic. The age-focused structure ensures that emerging talent receives a dedicated, competitive platform early in their development.

Format Features and Tactical Highlights

Test Twenty merges the essence of Test cricket with T20 dynamics. Each match features two innings per team, with scores carried forward across innings. The combination of four PowerPlay overs, restricted bowlers, and tactical follow-on rules provides a unique challenge for young cricketers to master strategy and adaptability.

By balancing traditional cricket norms with innovative elements, Test Twenty emphasizes decision-making, timing, and mental fortitude. Young players learn when to attack or defend, how to rotate bowlers, and how to manage innings effectively. The format nurtures both technical skill and tactical acumen, preparing participants for higher-level competitions in the future.

ICC Approval Status

As of now, Test Twenty is not approved by the International Cricket Council. The ICC recognizes only Test, ODI, and T20 formats officially. Test Twenty remains privately managed but is gaining attention for its innovative approach and potential to cultivate the next generation of cricketers.

Despite the lack of official sanction, the format is supported by cricketing legends and sports entrepreneurs. Its emphasis on youth development, strategic learning, and global participation makes it a promising addition to the evolving cricket ecosystem, bridging the gap between traditional formats and contemporary audience expectations.

Key Takeaways for Players and Fans

• Designed for players aged 13–19 years.
• Each match is 80 overs total, with four innings of 20 overs each.
• Scores are carried forward, determining aggregate totals.
• Outcomes can be win, loss, tie, or draw.
• Teams can use four PowerPlay overs per innings and a maximum of five bowlers.
• Inaugural season begins January 2026 with six global franchises.
• Registration is open for eligible players at www.testwenty.com/register.
• Initial season is boys-only, with girls’ tournament planned later.
• Format is not yet ICC-approved but privately managed with global advisory support.
• Merges strategic depth of Tests with the excitement of T20s.

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