Inaugural Test Twenty Cricket Tournament Set to Launch in Colombo

The Test Twenty cricket tournament is set to make its debut in Colombo from November 14 to 29, introducing a unique format that combines scores from boys' and girls' teams. With 160 young cricketers selected globally, this event promises to redefine youth cricket. Matches will be played in a single day, featuring both traditional and modern elements. The tournament aims to create an inclusive platform for young players, with performances from both genders contributing equally to the team's success. Join us as we explore this historic moment in cricket.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 17, 2026, 00:24 IST

New Cricket Format to Debut

Colombo, Sri Lanka - From November 14 to 29, the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) will host the first-ever Test Twenty cricket tournament, a groundbreaking format that merges boys' and girls' teams to produce a unified score.

As per an official announcement, this innovative tournament, dubbed 'cricket's fourth format,' will showcase 160 young cricketers aged between 13 and 21, selected globally and organized into four continental teams. Each team will consist of 40 players, evenly split between genders.

In this format, the girls' teams will compete against each other, while the boys' teams will do the same. However, the total runs scored by both genders will be aggregated to determine the overall winner.

The toss will not only decide which team bats first but will also indicate whether the girls' or boys' match occurs first. According to the Parity Rule, the runs from one gender's match will directly influence the outcome of the other match.

Each match will span 80 overs within a single day. The initial 40 overs will be played in daylight using a red ball and traditional white attire, while the subsequent 40 overs will occur under floodlights with a white ball and colored clothing. Scores will be cumulative across both segments without any resets.

The tournament will kick off with an opening ceremony on November 14, culminating in the final on November 29, with November 30 reserved as a backup day. All matches will be streamed live on the Sony Sports Network.

Thousands of aspiring cricketers from five continents expressed interest, with the best candidates selected through rigorous trials over the past 300 days. The Global Selection Committee, led by renowned coach Rajkumar Sharma, has finalized the top players.

The final roster of 160 players, comprising 80 girls and 80 boys, will be announced later this month during the players' draft.

With an advisory board featuring cricket legends like AB de Villiers, Matthew Hayden, and Sir Clive Lloyd, along with operations managed by Mike Fordham, Test Twenty is backed by experienced professionals dedicated to nurturing young talent.

Gaurav Bahirvani, the founder of Test Twenty, emphasized the tournament's goal of establishing a new cricket format that equally values the contributions of both boys and girls. He expressed appreciation to Sri Lanka Cricket and the SSC for their support in hosting this historic event.

Reflecting on the journey, Bahirvani stated, "A year ago, I introduced Test Twenty with AB, Matthew, Sir Clive, Mike, and Rohit. What began as an idea is now a reality for young cricketers. On November 14, that promise will come to life at the SSC in Colombo. Parity will be evident not just in the rules but also in the broadcast, showcasing both girls and boys in prime time. Every night, there will be one scoreboard."

He further noted, "Sri Lanka has a unique passion for its young cricketers, and the support from Sri Lanka Cricket and the SSC has been invaluable. For the first time in cricket history, girls and boys will either win or lose together, and this moment belongs to Sri Lanka. We are all heading to Colombo."