Test T20: latest cricket format launched; Know complete details

Test T20: Test Twenty was recently unveiled on October 16, 2025, marking the introduction of a new hybrid format of cricket. It’s designed to fuse the strategic depth of traditional Test cricket with the fast-paced action of T20 (Twenty20), and it is primarily aimed at youth development.

What is Test T20?

As the name suggests, it is a T20 played in a Test format. That is, a T20 match is organized here through four innings. That is why it is called Test Twenty.

Core Format and Rules:

A hybrid format that blends the two-innings structure of a Test match with the limited overs of a T20.

Duration – The entire match is completed in a single day.

Total Overs – 80 overs total.

Innings – Two innings of 20 overs per team (a total of four innings in the match).

Scoring Scores are carried forward across both innings, making the aggregate total the decisive factor.

Possible Results – Win, Loss, Tie, or Draw (retaining the classic Test match outcomes).

Played in white clothing with the red ball (like Test cricket).

Key Rules – Includes the option to enforce a follow-on (if the second-batting team trails by 75+ runs) and specific bowling restrictions and power play rules.

What are the rules of Test T20?

Powerplay: Like T20 cricket, there will be a powerplay here too. While there is a powerplay of 6 overs in T20 cricket, the powerplay is limited to 4 overs in Test T20.

Powerplay option: The powerplay can be taken between 1 and 4 overs. Otherwise, a powerplay can be used between the 7th and 10th overs of the second innings.

Follow-on: If the team batting second is behind by 75+ runs after the first innings, a follow-on can be implemented.

Draw: In a Test T20 match, a win, loss and a draw can be expected. This means that if the team playing the last innings is unable to chase down the runs, the match can be drawn without being all out.

One-day match: Although the Test 20 format is similar to Test cricket, this match is played in a single day. That is, 80 overs are played in a single day.

Early shock: If a team is all out before 10 overs in its first innings, the opposing team is given three extra overs. This means that the team playing the second innings will get 23 overs.

Bowling restrictions: Only five bowlers can be used. Also, a bowler can bowl up to a total of eight overs in both innings.

Wide-No-Ball Rule: Standard T20 rules apply for wides and no-balls. However, if three or more wides or no-balls are bowled in an over, a penalty of three runs is imposed. This means that the opposing team will get 3 extra runs.

Over-Rate Penalty: A penalty of five runs is imposed for slow over-rates. This will give the opposing team an extra 5 runs.

Super Session: If the match is tied, a Super Over will be played. If the Super Over is also tied, the team that scores the most boundaries is declared the winner.

How many teams are allowed?

A total of 6 teams will be fielded in the Test T20 tournament. Out of these six teams, three franchises will represent cities in India. Franchises representing Dubai, London and the US city will compete in this tournament.

When will the Test T20 start?

The Test T20 tournament is scheduled to start in January 2026. Sports entrepreneur Gaurav Bahirwani, executive chairman of The OneOneSix Network, said that preparations have already begun for this.

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