Sports
Cricket is played mostly in three formats, i.e. Test, T20, and ODI. There have been many experiments with shorter formats such as T10 and The Hundred, but The One One Six Network has come up with a brand-new idea of combining two formats and creating a new one called Test Twenty. The “Fourth Format” was announced on 16th October 2025, with six franchises (Three Indian and Three International).
What is The Format and What Are The Rules?
Each match will have 80 overs in total, where each team will bat for two innings of 20 overs each. A blended version of a two-innings test match that ends in a day like a T20 game. This gets more interesting as all the results are possible at the end, win, loss, tie or draw. This will be very entertaining for the viewers and will require strong strategies from teams.
1) There will be one powerplay in a match for each team of 4 consecutive overs. It is up to the captain to decide whether to take that powerplay in the first or second innings. If a decision is not made until the 7th over of the second innings, then automatic powerplay will be enforced from over 7 to 10.
2) A follow-on can be enforced if the second batting team trails by 75 or more runs after the completion of batting of both teams.
3) If a team gets all out before completion of 10 overs, the other teams get 3 unused overs added in their batting innings.
4) A maximum of 5 bowlers can be used per match; they can bowl 8 overs each across the match, which can be divided unevenly.
Why is Test Twenty Created
Sports Entrepreneur Gaurav Bahirvani- Executive Chairman of The One One Six Network came up with the revolutionary idea. Test Twenty aims to provide a global platform for youth, as only players between the ages of 13 and 19 will be participating in the tournament. The fourth format is backed by legendary players such as AB de Villiers, Sir Clive Lloyd, Matthew Hayden and Harbhajan Singh.
A Technological Influence
At the core of Test Twenty lies a proprietary AI-driven scouting and analytics engine powered by motion sensors, data intelligence, and advanced player profiling. It changes the way talent is identified, measured, and developed - making the selection process transparent, merit-based, and truly global. This is a big step that can revolutionize the cricketing world.
This format provides a big opportunity for the stakeholders in cricket. The Fourth Format-Test Twenty may attract the new age viewers who might not be much interested in watching a 5-day test match, but may get the same excitement through this new format. This format has the potential to attract a larger audience because of its exciting new format and innovations. It would be really interesting to see how this turns out.
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