Test Twenty: The Gimmick That Could Finish What T20 Started

Cricket has always evolved — sometimes gracefully, sometimes by force. But the unveiling of Test Twenty on October 16, conceived by sports entrepreneur Gaurav Bahirvani of The One One Six Network, feels less like evolution and more like erosion. Sold as a revolutionary “fourth format,” this new hybrid — part Test, part T20 — could end up stripping cricket of the very thing that made it beautiful: its patience, its poetry, its purpose.

A Test in Name Only

On paper, Test Twenty sounds clever: 80 overs in total, two innings of 20 overs per side, all wrapped up neatly in a single day. It promises the strategic nuance of Tests and the entertainment punch of T20s. The results — win, loss, draw, or tie — mimic tradition, while the structure is designed for the modern attention span.

But let’s be honest: this isn’t a reinvention of Test cricket. It’s a repackaged short-form product dressed up in nostalgia. What makes a Test isn’t just two innings and whites — it’s the slow burn, the psychological tug-of-war, the narrative that stretches and morphs over five days. Compressing that into a few hours doesn’t preserve the format’s soul; it suffocates it.

The Fast-Fooding of a Fine Meal

We’ve been down this road before. T20 was meant to be a supplement, not a substitute. It was the dessert that ended up replacing the meal. The explosion of franchise cricket — from the IPL to The Hundred — has already tilted the balance irreversibly toward entertainment over endurance. Players now retire from Tests at 30 to chase league contracts; boards prioritize broadcast windows over bilateral series.

Now, Test Twenty threatens to finish what T20 started — to turn even the last bastion of cricket’s authenticity into another bite-sized commodity. The message is clear: if something doesn’t fit the digital clock, it doesn’t deserve to exist.

The Allure of Technology, The Absence of Soul

The format’s biggest boast is its AI Discovery Engine, a data-driven system using motion sensors and video analysis to scout talent “impartially.” It’s a fascinating tool — but it misunderstands what cricket’s romance is built on. Algorithms can identify technique; they can’t identify temperament. Data can measure bat speed; it can’t capture the quiet defiance of a batter surviving the last hour in fading light.

Cricket’s legacy is human. It thrives in imperfection — in the missed edge, the fading pitch, the weary spell on the fifth morning. To replace that with AI-driven metrics is to miss the point entirely.

Innovation or Invasion?

The first Test Twenty season, set for January 2026, will feature six global franchises — three from Indian cities, and three from Dubai, London, and the United States. Predictably, the emphasis is on global reach and television appeal. Once again, the game’s guardians are confusing growth with glamour.

Cricket doesn’t need another format; it needs conviction. Test cricket doesn’t need a facelift; it needs faith. The answer to declining Test interest isn’t to dilute it — it’s to defend it, to invest in it, to tell its stories better.

What’s Left When Everything’s Shortened?

Test Twenty might market itself as innovation, but it risks being an obituary. Test cricket isn’t just a format — it’s the conscience of the sport. It’s where cricket’s mythology lives, where legends are forged not by sixes but by survival.

We’ve already lost enough of the game’s soul to the ticking clock of commercial convenience. The question now is simple: when every version of cricket is fast, who will still have the patience to watch the game unfold slowly — beautifully — as it once did?

Thank You 

Faisal Caesar 

Cricket: From Patience and Character to a Game of Entertainment and Commerce

The Golden Era: A Symphony of Patience and Skill

When I first began to follow cricket and football during the 1980s and 1990s, cricket stood tall as a game of endurance, artistry, and strategy. It was not merely a contest of bat and ball, but a theatre of discipline and mental resilience. Test cricket, in particular, was the ultimate trial—where each session and each delivery tested a player’s character and temperament. Patience was not just a virtue; it was the foundation of greatness.

One-day cricket (the 50–over format) emerged as a bridge between tradition and modernity. It offered a beautiful balance—where careful construction and bold aggression could coexist. It added vibrancy to the game without sacrificing its soul.

This was an era illuminated by legends: Viv Richards’ swagger, Gordon Greenidge’s aggression and solidity of Desmond Haynes, Malcolm Marshall and Curtly Ambrose’s fire,  Brian Lara’s artistry, Workhorse like Stamina of Walsh, Imran Khan’s all-round brilliance, Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis' swing and pace, Richard Hadlee and Glenn McGrath's precision, Steve Waugh’s grit, David Gower and Mark Waugh's style, Ponting, Hayden, Langer and Gilchrist's effectiveness, Abdul Qadir and Shane Warne’s magic, Allan Border’s resilience, intensity of Martin Crowe, Graham Gooch, Graham Thorpe, Allan Lamb, Michael Atherton, Alec Stewart and Mike Gatting, Javed Miandad’s guile, class of Saeed Anwar and Inzamam-ul-Haq, chicky a TS of Moin Khan, Romesh Kaluwitharana and Salim Yousuf, Sanath Jayasuriya’s revolution, Aravinda de Silva’s finesse, Leadership of Arjuna Ranatunga, Muttiah Muralitharan’s sorcery, impact of Vaas, Gary Kirsten's class, Jacques Kallis’ completeness, Allan Donald’s pace, the mastery of Sunil Gavaskar, Sachin Tendulkar, Kapil Dev, Dilip Vengsarkar, Mohinder Amarnath, Rahul Dravid, Sourav Ganguly, Anil Kumble and VVS Laxman, the impactful display of Flower Brothers, Heath Streak, Alastair Campbell, David Houghton, Eddo Brandes , Paul Strang, Henry Olonga and Neil Johnson—the list is endless. 

These were not merely players; they were custodians of cricket’s enduring spirit - fit for any era - on any testing conditions. 

The Rise of T20: Speed, Spectacle, and the Lure of Wealth

The early 21st century ushered in a new epoch, Twenty20 cricket. Initially introduced as a novelty to attract crowds, it soon became the heartbeat of modern cricket. Short bursts of excitement, relentless hitting, and guaranteed results transformed the game into a spectacle tailor-made for television audiences.

Yet, this transformation came at a cost. The essence of cricket began to erode. Players earned immense wealth and global recognition, but the depth of the craft diminished. Batters became addicted to extravagant strokes, their defense weakened, and footwork—once the bedrock of technique—grew careless.

Statistics flourished, but substance declined. James Anderson’s 700 wickets, remarkable as they are, came in an age where batsmen are often reckless. Ten thousand runs, once the Everest of batting, now appear more achievable, aided by flatter pitches, batting-friendly laws, and a culture designed to glorify aggression.

Media, Franchises, and the Changing Priorities

The media’s obsession with franchises and the glamour of league cricket has further altered the game’s identity. Commentators heap praise on franchise heroes, while technically sound, consistent performers often go unnoticed.

The shift in priorities is stark. The pride of representing one’s country has diminished for many players, overshadowed by the allure of lucrative leagues. Cricket boards struggle, national teams weaken, and fans find themselves fragmented. What once united nations is now often reduced to fragmented loyalties, tied to franchises rather than flags.

Powerhouses and the Forgotten Few

In the 1990s, nearly every Test-playing nation posed a serious challenge. The West Indies, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, even Zimbabwe, were forces to be reckoned with. Today, the cricketing world is polarized: India, Australia, England, South Africa, and New Zealand dominate, while others languish in decline.

The fall of West Indies, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka is not just disappointing—it is tragic. Once brimming with champions, they now struggle to compete. Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Ireland have emerged as spirited “giant-killers,” but remain on the periphery of consistent dominance. Zimbabwe, ravaged by political turmoil, has all but vanished from the competitive stage.

Gambling, Fixing, and the Shadows of T20

T20’s meteoric rise has also carried darker undercurrents—gambling, spot-fixing, and corruption. The brevity of the format makes manipulation easier, and leagues across the globe have become breeding grounds for illicit money flows.

It's not that such things didn't exist before T20 arrived, but in the longer formats, it's never easy to fix a match. The shorter the format, the easier it becomes for fixing - no wonder T20 is the fertile ground for fixing. 

From tea stalls in the subcontinent to betting websites across the region and beyond, the shadow economy of cricket thrives. Bangladesh Premier League, Indian Premier League, The Hundred, even women’s tournaments, are exploited by gamblers. Arrests, scandals, and even violent crimes linked to betting highlight the corrosive influence of this culture.

It is not merely the game that suffers; society itself absorbs the damage. Young people, drawn by the glamour of easy money, slip into destructive habits. What was once a game of inspiration risks becoming a conduit for vice.

The Soul in Crisis—and the Way Forward

In its bid to evolve, cricket has misplaced its soul. Once a symbol of patience, character, and national pride, it now often resembles a commercial enterprise fueled by entertainment value and financial stakes.

Yet, hope remains. To restore balance, the guardians of the game must protect the sanctity of Test cricket, reinvigorate the 50–over format as the bridge between eras, and regulate the excesses of franchise cricket. Without such recalibration, cricket risks becoming a hollow spectacle—loud but shallow.

Conclusion: Cricket Belongs to All of Us

For over fifteen years, I have written as a cricket lover, not merely as a spectator. To me, cricket is not just entertainment; it is culture, history, and inspiration. It has shaped generations and built character.

The custodians of the game must remember: progress must not come at the cost of cricket’s soul. The game belongs to all of us, and its future lies in striking a balance between innovation and tradition, between entertainment and essence.

Thank You 

Faisal Caesar 

The Decline of Batting Resilience: A Modern-Day Crisis

In recent times, we have witnessed a disturbing trend in cricket, with top-class teams collapsing for embarrassing totals like 47 and 49. The debacles in South Africa this year, where batsmen struggled to cope with the ball’s movement off the seam and in the air, highlight a troubling shift in the mental approach of modern-day batters. While the bowling conditions were undoubtedly challenging, the deliveries were not unplayable. The root of the issue lies not in technique alone but in the changing temperament of today’s cricketers.  

It seems that the art of crease occupation – the backbone of traditional Test batting – is gradually fading. Modern batsmen, conditioned by the demands of limited-overs cricket and Twenty20 leagues, are increasingly prioritizing run-scoring at a frenetic pace. This eagerness to accumulate runs at four or more per over leaves little room for patience and discipline. As a result, essential skills such as soft hands, precise footwork, and adaptability are being neglected, leaving batsmen vulnerable in challenging conditions.  

The ability to knuckle down, weather the storm, and grind out an innings – traits exemplified by legends like Hanif Mohammad, Rahul Dravid, and Sunil Gavaskar – seems to have been consigned to cricket’s history books. In the current cricketing landscape, cash-rich leagues such as the IPL (Indian Premier League) and Big Bash League (BBL) dominate, offering glamour, fame, and financial rewards. While these leagues have brought excitement and spectacle to the game, they have inadvertently contributed to the erosion of batting patience and resilience.  

T20’s Influence on Test Batting  

Since the late 1970s and early 1980s, limited-overs cricket has become an integral part of the sport. It reached its pinnacle in the 1990s and soon gave birth to the adrenaline-fueled T20 format. While the advent of T20 brought new audiences and commercial opportunities, it also altered the batting approach fundamentally. Batsmen today are groomed to score quickly, often at the expense of building an innings. This mindset is now trickling into Test cricket, where aggression is too often mistaken for intent, and occupation of the crease is undervalued.  

This shift is particularly evident when one considers the absence of the legendary duels that once defined cricket’s golden age. Encounters like Michael Atherton’s defiant stand against Allan Donald, Brian Lara’s masterful dismantling of Wasim Akram, and Steve Waugh’s dogged resistance to Curtly Ambrose are etched in cricket’s folklore. These contests were about mental endurance as much as skill, battles that unfolded over sessions, not overs. But today, the appetite for such attritional cricket is waning.  

The Decline of County Cricket  

The decline of county cricket as a developmental platform for international cricketers has further exacerbated the problem. During the 1970s, 80s, and 90s, playing county cricket was considered essential for honing one’s skills and mastering the art of adaptation. Some of the greatest cricketers – including Imran Khan, Wasim Akram, Viv Richards, and Javed Miandad – refined their techniques and mental toughness through long stints in English county cricket. It was a crucible for growth, offering players exposure to varying conditions, bowlers, and styles of play.  

However, in the modern era, the focus has shifted. County cricket no longer holds the same allure for contemporary players, many of whom prioritize franchise leagues over long-form cricket. With international schedules becoming increasingly congested, the space to pursue county stints has diminished. This loss is significant, as county cricket nurtures patience and the ability to adapt – two attributes that are now conspicuously absent in many modern-day batsmen.  

A Crisis of Priorities  

For today’s cricketers, the challenge lies in recalibrating their priorities. While T20 leagues offer quick riches and instant fame, the path to cricketing greatness lies in mastering the demands of Test cricket. If players aspire to leave a legacy comparable to that of Brian Lara, Steve Waugh, or Wasim Akram, they must be willing to invest in the longer format and embrace county cricket as a stepping stone to excellence.  

The question, however, is whether the ideal balance between formats is achievable. Given the relentless cricketing calendar and the lure of franchise leagues, this balance seems increasingly elusive. Yet, the choice ultimately rests with the players. They must decide whether they want to chase short-term rewards or pursue the kind of greatness that comes from excelling in Test cricket.  

In the end, the essence of Test cricket lies not in flashy stroke play but in endurance, patience, and grit – qualities that need to be rediscovered and nurtured. The old-fashioned art of occupying the crease may appear dull in the era of fast-paced cricket, but it remains the most reliable strategy to succeed in challenging conditions. Until the modern-day batsman rediscovers this art, collapses like those in South Africa will continue to haunt the sport.  

Test cricket has survived many challenges, from the rise of one-day cricket to the explosion of T20 leagues. But its survival depends on players willing to adapt, endure, and thrive in the long form of the game. Only then can we hope to witness the kind of epic duels and heroic innings that once defined the spirit of cricket. 

Thank You

Faisal Caesar

Test Cricket’s Decline in the Age of Twenty20: A Crisis of Values and Priorities

In 2009, during an England tour, West Indies captain Chris Gayle sparked controversy when he remarked in an interview with The Guardian that he "would not feel sad if Test cricket were to die out." Gayle, the flamboyant Jamaican batter and one of the faces of the T20 revolution, unabashedly confessed his preference for the shorter, more entertaining Twenty20 (T20) format over the gruelling five-day Test. His words ignited widespread criticism from both fans and administrators, highlighting the deepening rift between the traditions of Test cricket and the commercial appeal of franchise leagues.  

A Fractured Legacy: The West Indies Dilemma  

Gayle’s controversial stance came at a time when the West Indies, once the undisputed kings of world cricket, were searching for a path back to relevance after the fall of their cricketing empire in 1995. A rare Test series victory over England in early 2009 had rekindled hope among Caribbean fans, but that glimmer of resurgence was dimmed by their crushing defeat at Lord’s in the return series. The loss wasn’t just a consequence of poor performance—it reflected a deeper cultural shift in priorities.  

Gayle had arrived late to England, prioritizing the lucrative Indian Premier League (IPL) over national duty. His decision was met with harsh criticism from the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) and fans, who saw it as a betrayal of the team and a dereliction of leadership. Gayle, however, defended himself, accusing the board of mismanagement for scheduling the tour during the IPL window. He warned that fixture congestion would become a persistent issue as T20 tournaments expanded and came to dominate the cricketing calendar.  

"We’ve been on the road 24/7 with no time off," Gayle lamented. His words underscored the growing tension between the demands of national cricket boards and the allure of global franchise leagues—a tension that threatens to reshape the priorities of players and the structure of international cricket itself.  

The Rise of T20: A Double-Edged Sword  

T20 cricket, undoubtedly, has injected fresh energy into the game. Its fast-paced format appeals to younger audiences provides a global platform for talent, and brings unprecedented financial rewards. But this surge of popularity has come at a cost. With players increasingly prioritizing T20 contracts over national commitments, the relevance of Test cricket—a format revered for its complexity, endurance, and artistry—is under threat.  

In the West Indies, where cricket legends like Clive Lloyd, Vivian Richards, and Garfield Sobers once inspired generations, the focus has shifted from legacy to lucrative contracts. The current crop of cricketers seems less concerned with upholding the standards of their predecessors. Franchise leagues such as the IPL, with their staggering paychecks, have become the new aspiration, reducing national duty to an afterthought. This is a troubling transformation—not just for the West Indies, but for cricket as a whole.  

The Subcontinent and the Global Shift in Priorities  

While countries like England, Australia, and New Zealand continue to value Test cricket, the situation is more precarious in other parts of the world. In the subcontinent, India’s financial muscle allows it to maintain a strong Test presence, but the outlook is less promising for nations like Pakistan and Sri Lanka. With fewer resources and diminishing fan engagement, these countries may gradually lose their edge in the longest format.  

In Bangladesh, where Test cricket has always struggled to gain a foothold, the rise of T20 presents an easy escape. The glamour of franchise leagues could overshadow the grind of five-day matches, leaving Test cricket neglected. The danger is not just a diminished Test team—it’s the erosion of the values that define cricket’s rich heritage.  

A Crisis of Values: Test Cricket as the Soul of the Game  

Test cricket, more than any other format, encapsulates the essence of cricket: patience, strategy, mental toughness, and artistry. It produces legends—players like Don Bradman and Garfield Sobers—whose greatness transcends generations. T20 cricket, though thrilling, offers neither the depth nor the nuance that makes Test cricket unique. In a world increasingly captivated by instant gratification, the longer format demands a level of commitment—both from players and fans—that feels increasingly rare.  

A Possible Solution: Relegation and Revival  

To safeguard the future of Test cricket, the cricketing think tank must act decisively. One potential solution is the introduction of a **relegation system**. Under this model, underperforming Test teams would lose their elite status and be relegated to a second tier, where they would compete in a four-day format to regain their position. While this approach might reduce the number of Test-playing nations, it would ensure that only the best teams compete at the highest level, maintaining the quality and prestige of Test cricket.  

This system would also compel struggling teams to take Test cricket seriously. If facilities, funding, and status were tied to performance, even financially weaker nations would be motivated to invest in the longer format. A relegation system would restore a sense of accountability and encourage teams to balance their focus between T20 leagues and Test commitments.  

Preserving the Legacy: A Call to Action  

The future of cricket depends on more than just commercial success; it relies on preserving the spirit that has defined the game for over a century. T20 leagues have their place—they introduce new fans to the game and provide financial stability. But they must not be allowed to overshadow the value of Test cricket. Cricket’s governing bodies, along with players and fans, must recognize that the two formats can coexist—but not at the cost of Test cricket’s integrity.  

Players like Gayle will always have their admirers—those who see nothing wrong with prioritizing personal gain over national pride. But cricket needs more than entertainers. It needs role models who understand that greatness is not just about runs or wickets—it’s about leaving a legacy.  

The younger generation, currently captivated by the glamour of T20, must be educated about the richness of the longer format. The charm of Test cricket lies not in instant gratification but in the narrative arcs it weaves over five days—battles of attrition, shifting momentum, and moments of brilliance that linger in memory.  

If cricket’s administrators fail to act, the game may lose more than just a format; it may lose its soul. The responsibility lies not just with the boards or players, but with all who love the game. Test cricket is not just a relic of the past—it is the foundation upon which the future of cricket must be built. The task ahead is to strike a balance between commercial success and sporting excellence—a balance that will ensure cricket, in all its forms, continues to flourish.

Thank You 

Faisal Caesar 

The Price of the Present: Has T20 Cricket Undermined the Spirit, Charm and Quality of the Game?

Cricket, in the era I grew up watching—the 80s and 90s—was a game of strategy, endurance, and elegance. It was where the slow grind of Test matches revealed the character of players, and the 50-over format served as a thrilling middle ground between patience and aggression. But today, the rise of T20 leagues has drastically reshaped the landscape of cricket. While these leagues may have enriched cricketers financially, they have eroded the essence of the sport. In this pursuit of entertainment, cricket has traded quality for quantity, and the art of the game seems to be losing its soul.

Many modern fans may dismiss this as nostalgia, arguing that T20 leagues are the future. But the essence of a cricketer can never be fully captured in a mere 20 overs. Cricket has always been a test of temperament, skill, and resilience—qualities that can only be nurtured in the longer formats. Test cricket remains the truest expression of a cricketer’s mettle, while One-Day Internationals (ODIs) offer a valuable balance between tradition and modernity. The brevity of T20 cricket, however, forces players to chase instant gratification, robbing them of the chance to evolve into complete athletes.

What is more troubling is the way the narrative around cricket has shifted. Modern commentators and journalists often lavish praise on players excelling in franchise leagues, turning them into overnight sensations. This media frenzy not only overlooks players with genuine quality but also reduces cricket to a spectacle where fame matters more than craft. The very voices once entrusted with safeguarding the sport’s sanctity seem to have sold themselves, promoting a brand of cricket that prioritizes revenue over reputation.

T20 leagues have also created a troubling hierarchy in players’ priorities. Many cricketers today appear more invested in representing a franchise than wearing their national colours. This shift has fractured the sense of national pride that once defined cricket and fostered a sense of community among fans. The consequence is that the younger generation of cricketers is growing up with skewed values, where loyalty to a paycheck often outweighs loyalty to one’s country.

The shadow of match-fixing and betting syndicates further darkens this picture. Nowhere is this more evident than in the subcontinent, where the intersection of cricket, corruption, and gambling syndicates poses a grave threat. Young players, often lured by the glamour and money of T20 leagues, are easy prey for unscrupulous agents. The moral compass that cricket once championed is at risk of being irreparably damaged.

The think tanks of cricket may have set out to innovate, but in doing so, they have unleashed a demon. The commercialization of the game has come at a cost—one that cricket may not be able to afford in the long run. If the essence of the sport is to survive, there must be a recalibration of priorities. We need to recognize that cricket is not just about entertainment but about history, character, and the values that have inspired generations.

As a fan who cherishes the game in its purest form, I feel compelled to raise my voice. Cricket, after all, belongs to everyone. The custodians of the sport must be reminded that progress should not come at the expense of heritage. It is time to reclaim the spirit of cricket, so that future generations may witness the same elegance, grit, and beauty that captivated us decades ago.

The call is simple: let’s return to quality. The game deserves no less.

Thank You 

Faisal Caesar