Introducing a new format in cricket called ” Test 20″

A new format called 'Test 20’ has emerged amid growing concerns about the future of Test cricket. The format combines the seriousness of traditional red-ball cricket and the swiftness of modern T20 cricket, with the aim of giving a new look to the game and keeping the interest of the fans intact. The idea was mooted on October 16 by Gaurav Behirwani, Indian sports investor and executive chairman of ’One One Six Network‘, a project sponsored by renowned players like former cricket stars AB de Villiers, Clive Lloyd, Matthew Hayden and Harbhajan Singh. According to the press release, the ’Test 20‘ format combines the depth of Test cricket strategy with the pace and charming scenery of T20, the format will consist of 80 overs, in which each team will have the opportunity to play 2,2 innings, each innings will consist of 20 overs and the scores of both the innings will be moved forward. Also read: Asia Cup Trophy Controversy, Indian Cricket Board Announces Raising Case to ICC in Context of ’Alta Chor Kotwal Ko Dante'
That is, each team will bet 2 times like a Test match, while the rules of both Test and T20 formats will apply with a few minor changes, so that the game can be balanced according to the new format. The statement added that the match could result in a win, a loss, a tie or a draw, in any format, so that each competition offers a complete overview of the cricket drama and the unpredictable situation,this new format being called the ’Fourth Format‘ and will be tested in the first phase among the youth level (13 to 19 years) players, to find new opportunities for young cricketers around the world. According to the organizers, players will be selected through a multi-level analytical selection system based on skills, data and performance, which will eventually lead to an elite auction pool for franchise selection. The first full season of Test 20 will begin in January 2026, with 6 world-class major franchises participating, including 3 from international (Dubai, London, and an American city) and 3 from Indian cities. Each franchise will have a well-known stakeholder associated with it, while the players in the teams will be explored through the Junior Test 20 Championship, with the 300 best players selected from this phase reaching the Global Auction Pool, from where the franchises will select players for their initial season. Former South African captain AB de Villiers said in a statement that he truly believes that the ’Fourth Format‘ can create a new dimension in our sport. Concerns about the future of Test cricket have been growing over the past few years, with weaker teams finding it difficult to play the format regularly. Also read:ICC T20 Rankings Released, Pakistani Players Isolated From Top Ten
This situation has given rise to the idea of a two-pronged system, whereby weak Test teams will compete to progress to a higher level, however this proposal has not yet been formally considered.