Cricket is standing on the edge of a game-changing evolution. Today, visionary sports entrepreneur Gaurav Bahirvani, Executive Chairman of the One One Six Network, officially unveiled Test Twenty — a revolutionary new format, platform, and global movement that aims to redefine the future of world cricket.
For decades, cricket has inspired generations but lacked a single, unifying global stage for young talent. Test Twenty intends to change that — a youth-first movement that blends cricket’s artistry with modern intensity, creating a platform where emerging players can rise together.
Legends Behind the Revolution
Bahirvani is joined by cricket greats AB de Villiers, Sir Clive Lloyd, Matthew Hayden, and Harbhajan Singh as members of the Test Twenty Advisory Board. Supporting the operational vision is Michael Fordham, former CEO of Rajasthan Royals, who joins as COO.
De Villiers called the format “innovation with intent,” Lloyd described it as a return to the “art and rhythm of the sport,” Hayden called it “a bridge between eras,” and Harbhajan said it gives cricket “a fresh heartbeat.”
The Four Pillars of Test Twenty
1. A New Format:
Test Twenty fuses the strategic depth of Test cricket with T20 speed. Each match features two innings of 20 overs per side, with scores carried forward — a condensed, immersive format where every over matters.
2. A New Generation:
Designed for players aged 13 to 19, Test Twenty uses a global talent pipeline and AI-driven scouting to identify and nurture future stars. From Season 2, the format will expand to include women’s cricket.
3. A New Technology:
A proprietary AI Discovery Engine blends machine learning, analytics, and motion sensors to assess skill objectively, removing human bias and offering transparent, merit-based selections.
4. A New Tournament:
The first season kicks off in January 2026 with six franchises — three in India and three international (Dubai, London, and a U.S. city). Talent will be scouted through the Junior Test Twenty Championship spanning over 50 nations.
A Movement, Not Just a League
Bahirvani describes Test Twenty as “a living tribute to the spirit of cricket” — not just another league but a global championship that crowns young champions and builds a bridge between heritage and innovation.
Veterans including Niranjan Shah and Madan Lal praised the initiative as “a defining chapter in cricket’s story,” while ambassadors like de Villiers, Lloyd, Hayden, and Harbhajan believe this fourth format will revive the art of the game while embracing the future.
Test Twenty is not trying to replace Test cricket — it’s reimagining it for a new generation. A modern format built on legacy, powered by technology, and inspired by youth, it may become cricket’s most defining chapter yet.