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Cricket legends AB de Villiers, Sir Clive Lloyd, Matthew Hayden, and Harbhajan Singh have endorsed the game’s fourth format, called Test Twenty.

Test Twenty, a hybrid format, is set to be launched next year, designed for youth cricketers aged 13 to 19.

Matches will be played in whites with the red ball, featuring four innings of 20 overs each, all wrapped into a single day.

The format introduces a few notable adjustments to balance the two cricketing styles.

Each team is allowed one four-over PowerPlay, while the follow-on can be enforced if a team batting second trails by 75 or more runs after the first innings.

Teams may use a maximum of five bowlers, with each restricted to eight overs across the match.

Notably, a game can end in a win, loss, tie, or draw, giving players the chance to experience multiple outcomes within a single-day contest.

AB de Villiers, Sir Clive Lloyd, Matthew Hayden, and Harbhajan Singh form part of the advisory board for this innovative new format.

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De Villiers highlighted the creative opportunities Test Twenty will offer.

“What excites me most is the real creative freedom that this format brings to the party,” he said.

“It lets players completely express themselves but also think differently and take the kind of risks that make cricket so beautiful. Beyond that, it also teaches balance. You need to have the ability to survive across two innings.”

Sir Clive Lloyd praised the combination of spectacle and endurance.

“T20 cricket is an exhibition, and Test cricket is an examination. You’re now combining these two things into one. I’m sure it will be a success,” the legendary West Indies’ captain stated.

Meanwhile, Harbhajan Singh underlined the importance of engaging the audience.

“It is the crowd that makes any game famous, whether it is cricket, hockey, or even football in Australia,” the spinner said.

“These games are big because crowds get behind them, they endorse them. The best thing we can do is simplify it so that people can understand and connect with it.”

READ: Test Twenty explained: the game-changing fourth format of cricket

The game of cricket is set to welcome its fourth format, called ‘Test Twenty’, a hybrid that blends the strategy of Test cricket with the intensity of T20s.

The goal is to maintain the tactical depth of the longest format while presenting it as a fast, one-day spectacle. Let’s explore what this new format is and how it will be played.

A new kind of contest

Test Twenty will be an 80-over match, played and completed in a single day. Each team will bat twice, with two innings of 20 overs each, and the first innings’ score will be carried forward.

The game allows for every possible result: win, loss, tie, or draw. If the aggregate scores are level, a Super Over decides the outcome.

But if the batting side survives the entire innings with five wickets in hand, they can choose to settle for a draw.

The idea behind it

The format is the brainchild of Gaurav Bahirvani, Founder and CEO of Test Twenty.

It was officially launched on Thursday with the backing of cricket legends AB de Villiers, Matthew Hayden, Harbhajan Singh, and Sir Clive Lloyd, all of whom endorsed the innovation as cricket’s “next chapter.”

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Its first major event, the Junior Test Twenty Championship, is set to debut in 2026, featuring players aged 13 to 19.

The idea is to provide young cricketers with a global platform that assesses their skills and temperament, rather than just their ability to slog.

Global selection and franchise setup

The championship will feature six franchises, three from India and three international (London, Dubai, and a US city).

Each team will have 16 players, evenly split between Indian and international talent.

Selections will happen through two main routes:

• Direct Entry: For players recommended by recognised cricketers, coaches, or administrators.
• Standard Entry: Open trials powered by AI and motion sensors to ensure transparency and fairness.

Players will be assessed through the Test Twenty Intelligence Index (TTII), a data-driven system measuring decision-making, temperament, and overall cricketing IQ.

Out of 1,000 shortlisted players, the top 300 will advance, and then 96 players will be drafted by the six founding franchises.

Adding to the glamour, these franchises will reportedly be co-owned by celebrity and sporting families, those who, as the organisers say, “grew up with the game in their blood.”

The rules of the game

Test Twenty introduces several tweaks to traditional laws of the game:

• Powerplay: One per match, lasting four overs, taken at the captain’s discretion. If not taken, it will be enforced between overs 7 and 10 of the second innings.
• Follow-on: Can be enforced if the second-batting side trails by 75+ runs after the first innings.
• Early Collapse Clause: If a team is bowled out before 10 overs in their first innings, the opponent gains three extra overs.
• Bowling Restrictions: Only five bowlers allowed per side, with a maximum of eight overs each across both innings.
• Wides & No-Balls: Standard T20 rules apply, but three or more in one over adds a three-run penalty.
• Over-rate Penalty: Slow over-rates cost five runs and a lost timeout.
• Super Session: In case of a tie, one-over eliminator decides the result; if still level, the team with more boundaries wins.

READ: India-Pakistan World Cup clash becomes most-watched women’s match in history

The Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 clash between arch-rivals India and Pakistan has become the most-watched women’s cricket match of all time across digital platforms, the ICC confirmed on Thursday.

The October 5 encounter, one of the most anticipated fixtures of the tournament, recorded an extraordinary 28.4 million reach and 1.87 billion total minutes viewed, setting an unprecedented global benchmark for women’s sport viewership.

According to ICC data, the India-Pakistan showdown wasn’t an isolated spike, as the entire first half of the World Cup’s league stage has witnessed record-breaking engagement across both digital and broadcast mediums.

The opening 11 matches, featuring marquee teams like India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and South Africa, collectively reached 72 million viewers, representing a 166% surge compared to the previous edition.

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Viewing minutes soared by an astonishing 327%, totaling 6.3 billion minutes.

Even the early phase of the competition surpassed expectations, with the first 13 matches amassing over 60 million viewers, five times more than in 2022, and an aggregate 7 billion minutes of watch time, a twelve-fold increase.

While stadium attendance has been mixed, with sellout crowds for games involving India and Sri Lanka and thinner turnouts for neutral fixtures, the surge in global engagement underscores the tournament’s growing impact and popularity.

Adding to the record spree, the India vs Australia league encounter on October 12 reached 4.8 million peak concurrent viewers, setting another all-time high for women’s cricket.

READ: UAE clinch final qualifying spot for ICC T20 World Cup 2026

AL AMERAT: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) have booked the final available berth for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 after defeating Japan by eight wickets in their decisive Asia–East Asia-Pacific (EAP) Qualifier clash on Thursday.

The dominant performance saw the UAE chase down Japan’s modest target of 117 with ease, capping off a campaign defined by consistency and composure.

Haider Ali led the charge with the ball, claiming 3 for 20, before openers Alishan Sharafu and Muhammad Waseem stitched together a commanding 70-run stand to seal the victory.

With this win, the UAE joined Nepal and Oman as the three Asian representatives qualifying through the regional route for next year’s 20-team showpiece, which will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.

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The full lineup for the 2026 edition is now complete. Alongside the two hosts, automatic qualification was granted to the top seven sides from the 2024 T20 World Cup: Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, South Africa, the United States, and West Indies, as well as Pakistan, New Zealand, and Ireland, who progressed based on ICC rankings.

From the regional qualifiers, Canada secured the Americas spot, while the Netherlands and Italy emerged from Europe, the latter marking their maiden appearance at a T20 World Cup.

Namibia and Zimbabwe claimed the two available spots from Africa, while Nepal, Oman, and the UAE completed the Asian contingent.

The 2026 tournament will retain the same format as the previous edition, with 20 teams divided into four groups of five. The top two from each group will advance to the Super Eight stage, followed by semi-finals and the final.

READ: PCB announces ticket prices for Pakistan-South Africa white-ball series

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced ticket prices for the white-ball series between Pakistan and South Africa.

The white-ball leg begins with the three-match T20I series, starting October 28 in Rawalpindi, followed by back-to-back games in Lahore on October 31 and November 1.

The three ODIs will then be played in Faisalabad on November 4, 6, and 8.

 

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Tickets for the opening T20I at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium have been priced to suit a wide range of fans, with rates starting at PKR 400 for General enclosures and going up to PKR 15,000 for Platinum Box seats.

VIP tickets are available for PKR 800, Premium Enclosure tickets for PKR 700, First Class for PKR 600, and PCB Gallery seats for PKR 1,500.

For the Lahore leg at Gaddafi Stadium, ticket prices remain unchanged across both matches: PKR 400 for General, PKR 600 for First Class, PKR 700 for Premium, and PKR 800 for VIP enclosures.

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Fans seeking a more exclusive experience can opt for the VIP Far End (PKR 1,500), VIP New Pavilion (PKR 2,000), or VIP Gallery (PKR 2,500).

Meanwhile, the ODI series at Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad offers similarly accessible pricing.

General enclosure tickets begin at PKR 400, with First-Class seats available for PKR 600 and VIP Enclosure tickets priced at PKR 800. The VIP Ground Floor seating, offering the best view in the house, is set at PKR 3,000.

READ: Indian star batter named ICC Player of the Month for September 2025

DUBAI: India’s rising star Abhishek Sharma has been named the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for September 2025, owing to his sensational Asia Cup campaign.

The 25-year-old left-hander beat competition from teammate Kuldeep Yadav and Zimbabwe’s Brian Bennett to claim the award.

Sharma was the standout performer of the Asia Cup, finishing as the tournament’s top run-scorer with 314 runs in seven T20Is at a staggering strike rate of 200 and an average of 44.85.

His run tally included three fifties, each crafted with remarkable control and aggression at the top of the order.

Among his most memorable performances were a fluent 75-run knock against Pakistan and a 74-run blitz against Bangladesh during the group stage.

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He later produced a match-defining innings in the semi-final against Sri Lanka, guiding India into the final with his signature mix of timing and temperament.

Reacting to the honour, Abhishek Sharma said he was humbled by the recognition and credited his teammates and the coaching staff for creating an environment that brings out the best in every player.

“It feels great to win this ICC award, and I’m happy that it has come for some important matches where I could contribute to the team’s success,” said Sharma.

“I’m proud to be part of a team that fights together and believes till the last ball. Our recent performances reflect our positive mindset and unity. I’m thankful to the team management for their guidance, my teammates for their support, and the ICC panel for this recognition.”

READ: Babar Azam fan breach prompts PCB to tighten Gaddafi Stadium security

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to enhance security around the dressing room area at Gaddafi Stadium after a fan managed to breach the players’ zone in an attempt to meet his idol, Babar Azam.

According to sources, the board has approved the installation of an iron fence between the spectator enclosures and the dressing room area to prevent similar incidents in the future.

“The new fencing will ensure fans cannot directly access the players’ zone again,” a PCB source confirmed.

The incident occurred during the first Test between Pakistan and South Africa when a teenage fan climbed over the barrier from the Majid Khan Enclosure and made his way toward the dressing room.

He managed to slip past the stands and approach the players’ area before being spotted by members of the support staff, who immediately alerted security personnel.

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The intruder was detained and handed over to the police. Officials said the teenager confessed to entering the restricted area solely to take a selfie with Babar Azam.

A case was later registered against him for trespassing and interfering in official matters.

The incident briefly shifted attention away from Pakistan’s 93-run victory over South Africa, which gave the hosts a 1-0 lead in the two-match Test series.

Despite enduring a lean run with the bat in recent months, Babar Azam remains Pakistan’s most followed and admired cricketer.

His overall career numbers, more than 14,000 international runs across formats, continue to reflect his stature as one of the modern greats, inspiring unwavering loyalty among fans.

READ: Aqib Javed to supervise spin-friendly pitch preparation for Rawalpindi Test

Director of High Performance and national selector Aqib Javed is set to reach Rawalpindi on Friday to oversee pitch preparations for the second Test between Pakistan and South Africa.

The second Test is scheduled to begin on October 20 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, with the hosts holding an unassailable 1-0 lead in the two-match series.

According to reliable sources, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has instructed the ground staff to prepare a turning track, continuing their ongoing strategy in home Test matches.

Sources revealed that the pitch curators have been working tirelessly for the past three days to ensure conditions favour spin.

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Aqib’s visit is aimed at reviewing the surface and ensuring it aligns with Pakistan’s tactical plans for the series decider.

Both teams are expected to arrive in Islamabad on Friday, with Pakistan riding high on their 93-run victory in the opening Test at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.

The hosts defended a target of 277, bowling out South Africa for 183 on the fourth day to take a 1-0 lead in the two-match series.

Notably, Pakistan have leaned heavily on spin-friendly pitches in home Tests since last year’s series against England.

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After suffering a crushing defeat by an innings and 47 runs in the first Test, Pakistan made significant changes under Aqib Javed’s guidance, both in team selection and pitch strategy.

The approach, which included preparing drier, spin-assisted surfaces, proved successful as Pakistan bounced back to win the remaining two Tests and clinch the series 2–1.

The formula has since become central to Pakistan’s red-ball approach at home.

READ: Amir set to spearhead Quetta Qavalry attack in Abu Dhabi T10 League

Former Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir has joined the newly-formed franchise Quetta Qavalry for their debut campaign in the upcoming Abu Dhabi T10 League, slated to begin on November 18.

The franchise confirmed Amir’s signing through its official social media handles on Wednesday, unveiling the experienced left-armer with a bold statement.

“You asked for it. You waited for it. Now he’s here — Ladies and Gentlemen, Mohammad Amir. The Desert Spear, The Global Legend of Quetta Qavalry,” the franchise posted.

Mohammad Amir, one of Pakistan’s most seasoned fast bowlers in franchise cricket, adds immense experience to the squad.

The 33-year-old has featured in major leagues across the world, including the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), Men’s The Hundred, ILT20, Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), and Lanka Premier League (LPL).

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Across his extensive T20 career, Amir has bagged 458 wickets in 348 matches at an economy rate of 7.15, while representing Pakistan in 62 T20Is and taking 65 wickets on the international stage.

The Qavalry setup has been assembling a strong and diverse lineup ahead of their debut season.

Earlier this week, they announced Jason Holder and Liam Livingstone, while Zimbabwe’s Sikandar Raza, USA’s Andries Gous, South Africa’s Imran Tahir, and UAE’s Muhammad Waseem have also joined the squad.

Former Pakistan all-rounder Yasir Arafat has been appointed as head coach, bringing both local insight and international experience to the dressing room.

The franchise, owned by Nadeem Omar, who also owns Quetta Gladiators in the Pakistan Super League, was officially launched on October 10.

Quetta Qavalry will compete in the ninth edition of the Abu Dhabi T10 League, running from November 18 to 30.

READ: Mohammad Hafeez calls on PCB to focus more on red-ball cricket

Former captain Mohammad Hafeez has called on the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to shift its focus back to red-ball cricket, following the victory over South Africa in the first Test at the Gaddafi Stadium.

Pakistan’s 93-run win gave them a 1–0 lead in the two-match series, a statement performance against the reigning world Test champions.

Noman Ali and Shaheen Shah Afridi starred with the ball, combining for eight wickets in the second innings to bowl the visitors out for 183 while defending a target of 277.

Taking to the social media platform X, Mohammad Hafeez emphasised that a stronger red-ball structure holds the key to resolving Pakistan’s long-standing issues in other formats as well.

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“All formats technical & tactical issues will be resolved if we pay detail attention to red ball cricket of Pakistan,” Hafeez wrote.

“PCB management should prioritise red ball cricket at all levels. Best wishes Mohsin Naqvi.”

Hafeez, who has represented Pakistan in all formats, believes red-ball cricket remains the foundation of technical discipline and mental toughness, qualities that inevitably strengthen performances in shorter versions of the game.

Notably, Pakistan will now look to seal the series when they face South Africa in the second and final Test, scheduled to be played in Rawalpindi from October 20 to 24.

READ: Nepal, Oman secure ICC T20 World Cup 2026 spots