Browsing: Rules

Rory McIlroy is an important voice in the professional golf landscape, but it unsurprisingly doesn’t move the needle for Lee Westwood.

Westwood hits back at Rory

The 52-year-old LIV Golf member went on talkSport’s Breakfast Show on Thursday to discuss LIV Golf’s move to 72 holes and respond to McIlroy’s comments over the league’s decision, noting the five-time major champion has flip-flopped quite a bit over the past few years since LIV’s arrival.

“I don’t know. I don’t pay too much attention to what Rory says, really,” Westwood said. “He’ll change his mind next week.”

Rory’s thoughts on LIV’s move

On Wednesday, McIlroy discussed LIV Golf’s stunning decision to move all competitions from 54 holes to 72 holes in an effort to remove a hurdle for entrance into the Official World Golf Ranking. The five-time major champion was left with more questions than answers about how the move would boost the breakaway league’s standing in the ecosystem.

“I think it’s a peculiar move because I think they could have got ranking points with three rounds,” McIlroy said ahead of the 2025 Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship. “I don’t think three rounds versus four rounds is what was holding them back. It certainly puts them more in line with traditional golf tournaments than what we’ve all done. It brings them back into not really being a disruptor and sort of falling more in line with what everyone else does.”

The move to 72 holes, combined with LIV’s decision to open up more pathways into the league, could lead to the league gaining entry into the OWGR, which would provide its players with the points needed to qualify for major championships. But McIlroy isn’t sure how much the OWGR points will help LIV players now, given how far they have already fallen in the rankings.

“I think what’s hard is you’ve got the LIV guys, and say potentially they get World Rankings, but because their strength of fields are going to be so weak because a lot of the guys have fallen already in the rankings because they have not had ranking points for so long,” McIlroy said. “I don’t know if the ranking points are really going to benefit them. Yeah, it will be interesting to see how it plays out.”

While McIlroy is correct that most of LIV’s players have plummeted in the OWGR — only three players are currently in the top 50 — a change to the OWGR algorithm could help the Saudi-backed league. In 2022, the OWGR created a metric called “Strokes Gained World Rating,” which factors in not just where you finish on the leaderboard but the scores you shoot relative to the field you play in. So, for example, while Jon Rahm is currently the 71st-ranked golfer in the OWGR, he is fifth in “Strokes Gained World Rating.” That change could help LIV Golf’s limited fields gain more OWGR points than they would have when the strength of field was based solely on the ranking of the players in the tournament.

Our Sean Zak has a detailed explainer of the metric from when the OWGR introduced it here.

LIV’s motivation for rules change

LIV Golf’s decision to change was welcomed by many of its top players, including Bryson DeChambeau.

While OWGR entry was a reason for the move, Westwood noted it wasn’t the only one, and it might not have even been the main justification for the shift.

“I think [OWGR points] is one of the angles behind it. I think there were a few different things,” Westwood said. “Some of the guys focused their whole season around the major championships. And playing 54 holes was putting them at a bit of a disadvantage. I think they wanted to play 72 holes — that represented more the major championship format. But world rankings is one of the things on LIV’s mind. I don’t know whether it’s in the criteria or not because there’s 54-hole tournaments that got world ranking points before. But I think the boxes that you need to tick with the world rankings, 72 holes probably helps that.”

Tyrrell Hatton, who is one of the three LIV players inside the top 50 of the OWGR, said on Wednesday that most of LIV’s players had previously voted against moving tournaments from 54 to 72 holes. But that shifted this year.

“I think it’s a good thing that LIV have moved to four rounds,” Hatton said in Abu Dhabi. “I know at the end of my first season, there was a questionnaire that was filled out. One of the questions was about moving to 72 holes. I think of everyone who filled it out, I think there was only three guys, initially, who had said [yes] about moving there [to 72 holes]. I guess that’s changed quite a bit in the last year, and certainly from my standpoint, I’m quite happy that we’ve moved to 72 holes.”

Time will tell if the move has the desired effect for Hatton, Westwood and the breakaway league.

A former WWE Champion is seemingly never returning to the squared circle again.

The Undertaker is one of the most legendary stars to ever grace WWE’s locker room. Having entered the company in the 1990s, The Phenom gradually rose to the top of the industry. After adopting the Deadman persona, there was no looking back. The 3-time Heavyweight and 4-time WWF/WWE Champion became one of the toughest names on the roster, eventually ending his in-ring career in 2020 and getting inducted into the Hall of Fame two years later.

In a recent interview on the 2 Bears, 1 Cave podcast, the WWE legend talked about why he still trains every day.

I try not to complain about it, because I know. I mean, I knew the whole time that eventually you’re gonna get to that point. I mean, you don’t play the game that hard and not have residual effects… Smoke and mirrors, man. Yeah, that’s kind of key to, and once it’s all over. I was never really like a body guy. I never like really cashed in on what I look like physically.

I kept myself in physically good shape, and that becomes really important once you retire. Because that’s when you’re like, ‘Ah, I don’t have to do this anymore now.’ That’s when guys blow up, and they stop moving, and then that’s it. Just all those years come crashing down. They come crashing down on your heart.”

Check out his comments in the video below:

The WWE Legend Will Not Have Any More Matches

Fans who are expecting to see The Undertaker return for another match someday will be disappointed by what the Phenom had to say.

Adding to his comments on the same interview, The Undertaker stated:

So I do twice the workouts for half the results, but, you know, it keeps me moving. It keeps my mind going as well, like, you know, although I know I’m not going to get back in the ring and have a match, it’s just better for my mind.”

For now, it appears that the 60-year-old is happy in his backstage role and does not want to venture back into the ring.

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The Rules of Golf are tricky! Thankfully, we’ve got the guru. Our Rules Guy knows the book front to back. Got a question? He’s got all the answers.

I frequently putt with a big, fat stogie in my mouth. Could this be considered a putting aid? If I’m being honest, it helps me not move my head when I think about it, but I don’t purposely use it for that reason. —David Fatula, via email

David, Rules Guy sees this as an offshoot of the ever-popular “cigar smoke for wind direction” query.

Why are you putting with that big, fat cigar in your mouth? (Paging Swing Doctor Freud….)

If it is to smoke the cigar, not a problem. If you were doing it specifically to keep your head still, then we venture into Rule 4.3 territory. But is it a breach in and of itself? No, of course not. Unless it’s a Cuban cigar, in which case…kidding!

For more putting guidance from our guru, read on …

Rules Guy: Is it legal to tap down grass around the hole before putting?

By:

Rules Guy

When putting, after I finish my backswing can I let the clubhead rest on the ground for a split-second before making the forward stroke? Can I eliminate the backswing altogether and begin my forward stroke after placing the clubhead behind the ball either on the ground or hovering in the air? My buddies say they’ve never seen anyone do it, so it must be illegal. — Ed Chapman, via email

Ed, we got yippy just reading your question. Rules Guy is of the belief that if you’ve never seen anyone do something on Tour, there’s a reason for it, namely, IT. DOES. NOT. WORK.

Of course, that is a separate issue from legality. The rules require that you do not push, scrape or scoop the ball. Strokes such as the ones you describe, without a traditional backswing, are not automatically doing one of these illegal acts but do increase the chances. The key is that you must fairly strike the ball with the head of the club such that there’s only momentary contact between the club and the ball.

If that’s what you’re doing, you’re in the clear. If not, you’d get the general penalty of two strokes in stroke play and loss of hole in match play for breaching Rule 10.1a (and the stroke itself counts, whatever the outcome).

Want to find the right gear for your bag in 2025?Find a club-fitting location near you at True Spec Golf.

Got a question about the Rules? Ask the Rules Guy! Send your queries, confusions and comments to rulesguy@golf.com. We promise he won’t throw the book at you.

Lionel Messi said that MLS must loosen its spending restrictions in order to become a top league in the world of soccer and said that he is hopeful that he will be physically able to contribute to Argentina at next summerâ€s World Cup.

In a rare interview with an American outlet, Messi sat down with NBC Nightly News anchor Tom Llamas at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. In the interview, Messi was asked if he felt that soccer could become as popular in the US as American sports like football, baseball, and basketball. Messi said he thinks the sport could get there, but that teams need to have more freedom first.

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“Every team should have the opportunity to bring in players and sign whoever each team wants — without limitations or rules for players to bring them in,†Messi said. “I donâ€t think that today all teams in the United States, all clubs, have the power to do that, and I think that if they were given the freedom, many more important players would come and help the growth of the United States.â€

MLS has operated for its entire existence with an arcane rulebook governing player signings, with the intent to control spending, promote competitive balance between teams, and in its earliest days, to prevent teams from bidding against each other for players. Many of the original rules that formed this structure have been done away with or modified, but MLS teams today still must approach roster-building strategically while navigating myriad rules and roster categories.

Each team in MLS is permitted up to three designated player (DP) spots, allowing them to acquire players like Messi, whom they may pay whatever they want while only counting against the salary cap at that seasonâ€s maximum annual salary ($743,750 in 2025). Teams may also “buy down†the cap hit of players using various forms of allocation money. The leagueâ€s U-22 initiatives provides financial incentives for teams to sign young players they can sell on later.

Discussions about modifying or jettisoning these rules altogether have circulated for years, but they have kicked into higher gear since Messiâ€s arrival and Inter Miamiâ€s success on and off the field. Messiâ€s voice, then, will carry some weight – but the ultimate decision will come down to MLS owners.

Elsewhere in the interview, Messi said that he does intend to play in the 2026 World Cup with Argentina, while acknowledging that his age will be a factor.

“I would like to be there, to be well and be an important part of helping my national team, if I am there,†he said. “Iâ€m going to assess that on a day-to-day basis when I start preseason next year with Inter [Miami] and see if I can really be 100%, if I can be useful to the group, to the national team, and then make a decision.â€

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DarkState defeated the Hardy Boyz in a Broken Rules match at Halloween Havoc on Saturday to win back the NXT Tag Team Championships.

Saturday’s contest was a rematch from the NXT vs. TNA Showdown episode of NXT TV back on Oct. 7, which pitted the best of NXT and TNA against each other in a series of high stakes matches.

One of the matches on that show was a title vs. title match with the Hardy Boyz putting the TNA World Tag Team Championships on the line and DarkState doing the same with the NXT tag titles.

Matt and Jeff Hardy were victorious, making them the first duo in history to hold the NXT and TNA tag team titles simultaneously.

The Hardys successfully defended both sets of titles in a memorable tables match against the Dudley Boyz at TNA Bound for Glory, and DarkState made their presence known at that event as well.

While DarkState didn’t get involved in the Hardys vs. the Dudleys, they did interrupt the X-Division Championship match between Je’Von Evans and Leon Slater, causing a no contest.

Amid promises to continue leaving a path of destruction in their wake, DarkState received an NXT Tag Team Championship rematch against the Hardy Boyz at Halloween Havoc, but it was no ordinary match.

On the final episode of NXT before Halloween Havoc, Matt and Jeff entered the Lake of Reincarnation, morphing them into their alter egos of “Broken” Matt Hardy and Brother Nero.

Given the supernatural aspect of those characters, it was fitting that Matt and Jeff brought them back out for a Broken Rules match at Halloween Havoc, which WWE billed as the scariest show of the year.

Despite competing in a signature match of the Hardys, DarkState came out on top at Halloween Havoc, meaning the NXT Tag Team Championships are back around the waists of NXT Superstars.

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One of the things I like most about table tennis is the way it connects people. At my local club, youâ€ll see players of all ages, backgrounds, playing levels, personal stories, etc., playing together and having tons of fun.

Two people who would not have spent 5 minutes talking together could become lifelong friends through table tennis. I have seen this time and time again, and it has also happened to me.

However, one of the most difficult gaps to bridge is the level gap. This often prevents what we just mentioned from happening: making friends and having fun, which is what weâ€re all looking for, after all.

In this article, Iâ€ll tell you why I think playing with a handicap is the perfect solution for this problem and one of the best ways to spend time playing table tennis altogether.

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Why You Should Play with Handicap

The result of playing with handicap is nothing short of incredible: you could take any two table tennis players and have both play a perfectly even match, no matter the level of each of them.

And, the byproduct of this is that people of different levels get to play much more interesting matches and connect on a deeper level.

If you think about it, most beginners wonâ€t ask advanced or semi-pro players for matches because theyâ€ll feel a bit intimidated or worried that the other player wonâ€t have fun.

Conversely, the more advanced players will many times just stick to playing similar-level opposition because they havenâ€t interacted with the beginners enough to form a meaningful connection.

In addition, both parties may think that the match wonâ€t be interesting enough, as the beginner would likely get battered every game.

This is why handicap is the ideal solution. By playing with enough handicap, both players get to have fun, and anyone can win.

Whatâ€s more, it makes matches even more interesting because it will make the higher-ranked player try hard to win, giving the lower-ranked player match experience against higher-quality shots than theyâ€re used to.

How Handicap Works

There are many ways and cool methods to play with handicap (more on this later!), but they all serve the same purpose, which is leveling two players so that the chances of winning are as even as possible. A good handicap match should be a 50-50 contest.

This is achieved by giving the lower-ranked player a point head start in every game. How to determine that head start depends on the handicap system that you use.

Regardless of the system, the result should be that both players are playing seriously.

Handicap Systems

There are two main handicap systems: the regular system and the dynamic system.

Regular System

The regular system is the simplest one.

The way it works is that, depending on the level difference between the two players, a set handicap is determined, and all the games have the same handicap.

Here in Argentina, we usually give 2 points per division. So, if player A is in the second division and player B is in the fourth division, player B would start every game 4-0 up.

In countries where there are no divisions (Iâ€m looking at you, US!), you can do x amount of points per y amount of rating point difference.

So, for example, you could do 1 point per game per 100 USATT points of difference.

Dynamic System

The dynamic system is, in my opinion, the better of the two systems. I think itâ€s more accurate.

It works by determining a set amount of handicap points, exactly like the regular system.

To explain the difference between the dynamic system and the regular system, weâ€ll use the same example: Player A is a second division player, Player B is a fourth division player, and will start 4-0 up.

The thing is, player B will start 4-0 up only for the first game. Then, depending on the result of that game, the handicap goes up or down one point.

So, if player A wins the first game, player B will start the second game 5-0 up. If player B wins the first game, theyâ€d start the second game with just a 3-point lead.

This holds true for the whole duration of the match. So, if player A takes a 2-0 lead, player B would start the third game 6-0 up (4 head start + 1 for losing the first game + 1 for losing the second game).

In my opinion, this makes the dynamic system more accurate than the regular one, because if you set the handicap too low or too high, it adjusts itself as the match is played.

How to Win a Handicap Match

Because handicap matches are very different than regular matches, they can be played slightly differently from a strategic standpoint to make the most out of them. Weâ€ll now share our tips for winning a handicap match.

How to Win Against a Handicap

If youâ€re the higher-ranked player, I have three tips for you.

First and foremost, manage your mindset. Don’t get frustrated if you find yourself down 0-6 or even 0-8 early in a game, this is exactly how handicap matches are designed to work.

Remember that you earned your ranking through skill and experience, and those same qualities will help you overcome the point deficit. Stay patient and concentrate on executing your game plan.

Secondly, I would advise that you stick to your strengths and use them over and over.

For example, if youâ€re an advanced player with a strong forehand loop, in a match against a player with a similar ranking, chances are that the other player will somehow find a way to adjust. This holds for all playing styles.

Youâ€ll probably be able to use your strong forehand, but your opponent will do everything in their power to avoid it so that you arenâ€t able to use it every point.

Against a lower-ranked player, however, chances are that they wonâ€t be able to adjust in such a way.

Your serves and set plays will have much more quality than theyâ€re used to, and youâ€ll find that youâ€ll be able to use your strengths much more often.

Our third tip is to try to make use of the difference in shot quality.

Against a lower-ranked player, chances are that your spinniest serve will provoke errors from the receiver, your spinny open-ups will be harder to block, a heavy push may result in them missing their open-ups, etc.

So, throw everything you have against your opponent in terms of shot quality, and chances are youâ€ll win the match.

How to Win With a Handicap

Before discussing tactical approaches, it’s important to understand the psychological advantage that handicap gives you.

Use the point lead as a confidence builder – you’ve essentially already won several points before the game begins!

This mental cushion should free you up to play more aggressively and take calculated risks.

Our top tip for winning with a handicap is to take risks.

If youâ€re the lower-rated player and you have a points advantage, we recommend that you go for your shots. This isnâ€t to say that you have to attack every ball with 100% power, but we do encourage you to play hard shots without fear.

This is also the perfect opportunity to practice those riskier serves you’ve been working on in training.

Since you have a points buffer, you can afford to experiment with serves that might not work in regular match play. The experience of successfully executing these serves against a higher-ranked player will build your confidence for future matches.

If you have a handicap, you can afford to make mistakes, using that point advantage.

If you play safely, your opponent will likely overpower you, so itâ€s much better to stand your ground and go for your shots without fear.

Try serving long, powerlooping, flat hitting, playing unexpected shots, etc.

What this achieves has a two-fold effect:

1) Youâ€ll likely win enough of these points, but also

2) That your opponent will have a sense of urgency to attack themselves, and this will lead to some errors of their own.

Donâ€t play safely because otherwise your opponent will be able to impose their game risk-free: they know you donâ€t pose as much of a threat because you donâ€t attack them.

Donâ€t “respect†the higher-ranked player. Play as if you wanted to win 11-0, even if there was no handicap. If youâ€re able to execute this plan, chances are youâ€ll win the match.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Like anything in table tennis, playing with handicap takes some practice to get right. Here are the main pitfalls I’ve seen players fall into:

Incorrect Handicap Assessment

The most common mistake is not setting the right handicap from the start. Many players either give too many points (making matches boring for the stronger player) or too few points (defeating the purpose of handicap).

If you’re using the regular system, it’s better to start with a slightly higher handicap and then adjust down if needed. The primary goal is to create a 50-50 match.

The Mental Game

I often see players not taking handicap matches seriously enough. Some higher-ranked players treat them as “just for fun” matches, while some lower-ranked players feel their wins “don’t really count.”

Both these mindsets miss the point.

A handicap match should be treated like any other competitive match. That’s how both players get the most benefit from it.

Inconsistent Systems

At many clubs, players use different handicap systems or point calculations. This creates confusion and makes it harder to establish a consistent handicap culture at the club.

It’s better to agree on one system (I recommend the dynamic system) and stick to it. This way, everyone knows what to expect when playing handicap matches.

The Pride Problem

Some advanced players refuse to play handicap matches because they don’t want to “give away” points.

This is a shame because they’re missing out on great practice opportunities and the chance to help develop newer players.

The handicap exists to create an even playing field, not to diminish anyone’s abilities.

Refusing to Adjust

The final pitfall is stubbornly sticking to handicap numbers that clearly aren’t working.

If one player is consistently winning or losing by a large margin, the handicap needs to be adjusted.

Don’t be afraid to change the handicap between matches or switch to the dynamic system if the regular system isn’t working for you.

Good Luck With Your Handicap Matches

I strongly believe that handicap matches are one of the best ways to play table tennis. They allow players of any level to have meaningful, competitive matches together while improving their game.

If you’re a beginner, don’t be afraid to ask stronger players for handicap matches – you might be surprised at how much fun both of you will have.

If you’re an advanced player, propose handicap games to newer players at your club. You’ll help grow the sport while getting some quality practice yourself.

Remember: table tennis is about having fun and connecting with others.

Handicap matches help achieve both these goals, making our sport even more enjoyable for everyone involved.

Alvaroâ€s a qualified ITTF Level 1 Coach who’s been playing Table Tennis since he was 15 and is now ranked within the top 50 in his native Argentina. He loves to compete in provincial tournaments and is always looking for ways to improve. Alvaro made his favorite memories with a racket in hand, and he joined the RacketInsight team to share his passion with other players!

Blade: Butterfly Fan Zhendong ALC | Forehand: Butterfly Dignics 09c | Backhand: Butterfly Tenergy 19
Playstyle: The Controller

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The 2025 MLB postseason is in full swing. After a thrilling Wild Card round and a Division Series round which included an instant classic between the Mariners and the Tigers, the road to the 2025 MLB World Series continues. How inevitable are the Dodgers, exactly? Weâ€re about to find out.

Below is everything you need to know about the 2025 MLB postseason schedule and format.

Aaron Judge or Shohei Ohtani at the top? Our early 2026 Top 300 rankings highlight key fantasy storylines heading into the MLB offseason.

When is the 2025 World Series?

The 2025 World Series is scheduled to begin on Friday October 24, and would go through Saturday November 1 if the series goes seven games.

âš¾ï¸ Who is the favorite to win the 2025 World Series?

Per DraftKings (as of Saturday, October 18):

• Dodgers -185
• Mariners +215
• Blue Jays +850

Who Has Home-Field Advantage For the 2025 World Series?

Home-field advantage goes to the team with the best record. If the teams have the same record, home-field advantage will be determined by tiebreakers.

The Brewers finished the regular season with the best record in baseball at 97-65. However, since they were eliminated by the Dodgers during the NLCS, home-field advantage for the World Series is up for grabs.

If the Mariners (90-72) win the American League pennant, the Dodgers (93-69) would have home-field advantage. If the Blue Jays (94-68) come back to beat the Mariners, they would have home-field over the Dodgers.

What is the 2025 MLB Postseason Schedule?

âš¾ Championship Series: October 12-21

(ALCS airing on TBS, truTV and HBO Max; NLCS airing on FOX, FS1, and FOX Deportes: Game times are TBA)

*if necessary

Date

Matchup

10/12/25

Mariners at Blue Jays (ALCS Game 1)

SEA 3, DET 1

10/13/25

Mariners at Blue Jays (ALCS Game 2)

SEA 10, DET 3

Dodgers at Brewers (NCLS Game 1)

LAD 2, MIL 1

10/14/25

Dodgers at Brewers (NCLS Game 2))

LAD 5, MIL 1

10/15/25

Blue Jays at Mariners (ALCS Game 3)

TOR 13, SEA 4

10/16/25

Brewers at Dodgers (NLCS Game 3)

LAD 3, MIL 1

Blue Jays at Mariners (ALCS Game 4)

TOR 8, SEA 2

10/17/25

Blue Jays at Mariners (ALCS Game 5)

SEA 6, TOR 2

Brewers at Dodgers (NLCS Game 4)

LAD 5, MIL 1

10/19/25

Mariners at Blue Jays (ALCS Game 6)

8:03 p.m. ET

10/20/25

Mariners at Blue Jays (ALCS Game 7)*

8:08 p.m. ET

âš¾ 2025 World Series: October 24-November 1

(World Series airing on FOX: Game times are TBA)

*if necessary

Date

Series

Matchup

10/24/25

World Series, Game 1

League Champ #2 at League Champ #1

10/25/25

World Series, Game 2

League Champ #2 at League Champ #1

10/27/25

World Series, Game 3

League Champ #1 at League Champ #2

10/28/25

World Series, Game 4

League Champ #1 at League Champ #2

10/29/25

World Series, Game 5 *

League Champ #1 at League Champ #2

10/31/25

World Series, Game 6 *

League Champ #2 at League Champ #1

11/1/25

World Series, Game 7 *

League Champ #2 at League Champ #1

2025 MLB Playoff Rules

What Are The Replay Rules for the 2025 MLB Playoffs?

Managers get just one challenge during the regular season, but they are afforded two challenges in the postseason. If a challenge is successful, the manager keeps their challenge; they lose one of their challenges if the original call is confirmed. From the eighth inning onward, the crew chief can still review certain calls if a team has exhausted their challenges.

Will the Runner-on-Second Rule Apply in Extra Innings During the 2025 MLB Playoffs?

No. As opposed the regular season, the bases will be empty to begin extra innings and the game will be played under those circumstances until completion.

Can MLB Teams Replace Injured Players During the Playoffs?

Yes. Teams can replace an injured player during a series, but that player will be deemed ineligible for the remainder of the series and the following round should the team advance.

Additionally, a pitcher may only be replaced by another pitcher and a position player may only be replaced by another position player.

MLB Postseason Roster Eligibility Rules Explained

Any player on the 40-man roster or injured list as of noon ET on September 1 is eligible for the postseason. Players who were in the organization (and not on the 40-man roster) by that deadline may also replace someone on the 10-day or 60-day injured list, provided the injured player has served the minimum required time (10 days for the 10-day IL, 60 days for the 60-day IL). The substitute must also be added to the 40-man roster before joining the postseason roster.

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Test Twenty is a recently launched cricket format that combines Twenty20 cricket with Test cricket. It was formally released on October 16, 2025, and is designed for players between the ages of 13 and 19. The first season will begin in January 2026 in India.

Both teams bat twice, just like in a Test match, and the format consists of 80 overs in a single day split into four innings of 20 overs each. The matches will be played in whites with a red ball. Six teams, including three from India and three each from Dubai, London, and the USA, will compete in the first Test Twenty season. Eight Indian and eight international cricket players will make up each team’s 16 players. The first edition will be a boys-only tournament, with a girls†version planned from the second season onward.

The concept was developed by Gaurav Bahirvani, Executive Chairman of The One One Six Network. The advisory board includes cricket legends Sir Clive Lloyd, Matthew Hayden, AB de Villiers, and Harbhajan Singh. As of now, Test Twenty is not approved by the ICC. The International Cricket Council officially recognizes only Tests, ODIs, and T20Is.

Rules of Test Twenty: Cricketâ€s Newest Format

Test Twenty is an 80-over format designed to combine the traditions of Test cricket with the excitement of T20Is. Each team plays two innings of 20 overs each, and the match is finished in a single day. Since the score from the first inning is carried over, the final score is the sum of the individual scores. Like traditional tests, there are four possible outcomes: win, lose, tie, or draw. If both teams end with equal totals, a Super Over decides the winner. However, if a batting team finishes its innings with five or more wickets remaining, it may choose a draw.

In this format, each team gets one power play, lasting four overs, which the captain can call at any time; if unused, it automatically activates between overs 7 and 10 of the second innings. A follow-on can be enforced if the second team trails by 75 runs or more after their first innings. If a team is bowled out before completing 10 overs in its first innings, the opposing team receives three additional overs. Only five bowlers may be used per side, and each can bowl a maximum of eight overs across both innings.

In this format, T20 rules apply for wides and no-balls, but if a bowler concedes three or more in one over, a three-run penalty is added. A five-run penalty and loss of a timeout will be imposed in case of slow overrates. In case of a tie, the game goes into a Super Session (a one-over eliminator). If the result remains level, the team with more boundaries is declared the winner.

When will the inaugural Test Twenty begin?

The inaugural Test Twenty season will begin in January 2026. It will include six global franchises, three based in Indian cities and three international teams from Dubai, London, and the United States. Each team will have 16 players, made up of eight Indian and eight international players.

Player registration for cricketers aged 13 to 19 opened on October 16, 2025, at 7:00 PM IST on www.testwenty.com/register. The first season will be hosted in India and will feature only a boys†tournament, while a girls†edition will be introduced from the second season.

FAQs

Q. What is the Test Twenty format?
A. Test Twenty is cricketâ€s new fourth format that combines features of Test and T20 cricket. Each match has a total of 80 overs, and both teams bat twice for 20 overs each.

Q. How long does a Test Twenty match last?
A. It is completed in one day, with 80 overs played in total.

Q. How is Test Twenty different from regular T20 cricket?
A. Regular T20 has one inning of 20 overs per team, while Test Twenty has two innings of 20 overs each per side, making it a four-inning match.

Q. When will the Test Twenty format start?
A. The format is set to launch in January 2026.

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Test Twenty is cricket’s new format, which was officially introduced on October 17, 2025, as the fourth format of the game after Tests, ODIs, and T20Is. It is created to attract young fans aged 13–19 and mixes the structure of Test cricket with T20 matches. The format has 80 overs in total, with two innings of 20 overs per team, and scores are continued like in Test matches. Matches can end in a win, loss, tie, or draw.

The first edition of the Test Twenty Championship will begin in January 2026, hosted in India for the first two seasons. Entry for teenagers aged 13–19 will be free with a valid ID.

The initiative was launched by Matthew Hayden, Harbhajan Singh, Sir Clive Lloyd, AB de Villiers, and organizer Gaurav Bahirvani. Lloyd praised the format, saying it can help revive interest in Test-style cricket, especially in regions like the West Indies, where traditional Test cricket has declined. The long-term plan is to make Test Twenty a touring league, expanding to non-traditional cricket nations in future editions.

What Is Test Twenty?

Test Twenty is cricketâ€s newest format that combines parts of Test cricket and T20. It has 80 overs in a single day, divided into four innings, each team bats twice, similar to a Test match. The rules of both Test and T20 cricket apply, with some changes to make the format more exciting, short, and TV-friendly. A match may end in a draw, tie, loss, or victory.

The format focuses on players aged 13–19 and aims to discover and develop young talent globally. In this format, more advanced technologies, such as motion sensors in bats and balls and AI-powered scouting, are reported to be used to help players get better and gain a better understanding of the game.

In January 2026, India will host the inaugural Junior Test Twenty Championship (JTTC). Six franchises will take part: three in India and three international teams based in Dubai, London, and a US city. Each team will have a squad of 16 players with 8 Indian and 8 international players, and a Wildcard Pool of 204 players will allow mid-season selections.

Rules and Format of Test Twenty

Test Twenty is cricketâ€s newest format that combines features of Test cricket and T20. Each match is played in one day with 80 overs in total, divided into four innings, so each team bats twice. A match may end in a draw, tie, loss, or victory.

It follows the rules of both Test and T20 cricket, but with small adjustments to make the game faster and suitable for broadcasting. The primary goal of Test Twenty is to develop cricket talent globally by focusing on young players between the ages of 13 and 19.

The competition will include six teams, three in India and three internationally in Dubai, London, and a US city. Each team will have a 16-player squad with eight Indian and eight international players. A total of 96 players will be drafted, and an additional 204 players will make up a Wildcard Pool for mid-season picks.

FAQs

Q. What is the Test T20 format?

A. Test T20 is a new cricket format that mixes Test cricket with T20 cricket. The match has 80 overs in total, and each team bats 20 overs in two innings.

Q. What is the format of a regular T20 match?

A. In T20 cricket, each team plays one innings with a maximum of 20 overs. Each bowler can bowl up to 4 overs.

Q. What is Test Twenty?

A. Test Twenty is the worldâ€s first 80-over format. It combines Test strategy with T20 intensity, making matches faster while keeping some Test elements.

Q. What is the structure of T20?

A. T20 is a limited-overs match with two teams, each batting 20 overs (120 balls) in one innings.

Q. What will be the ball color in the new Test Twenty format?

A. Test Twenty matches will be played with the red ball, similar to traditional Test cricket.

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Viktor Hovland wanted to play, but he couldn’t. And his withdrawal from Sunday singles at the 2025 Ryder Cup caused a stir as the Americans made a furious rally that came up just short.

The lasting image of Hovland from Europe’s 15-13 win was him fist-pumping in a putt on the 17th hole during a Saturday foursomes win over Russell Henley and Scottie Scheffler. He was 1-1-1 at that point, but a neck issue flared up during that match, forcing Hovland to sit in the afternoon. He withdrew on Sunday after an MRI revealed a disc bulge. With Hovland unable to go on Sunday, the controversial Ryder Cup “Envelope Rule” went into effect. Due to a captain’s agreement, Hovland’s Sunday singles match against Harris English, who was in Keegan Bradley’s envelope, was halved.

After taking time to rest his neck, Hovland is back in action at the DP World Tour’s India Championship this week. Hovland felt bad about being unable to play on Ryder Cup Sunday, both for himself and for English, who had his Ryder Cup cut short.

“The whole situation was pretty upsetting, just the fact that I didn’t get to play, and I felt really bad for Harris, who also didn’t get to play a match, even though there was nothing wrong with him,” Hovland told reporters in India. “He just didn’t get to play, and he was upset about that, and I feel very bad for not being able to compete.”

He was robbed of a Ryder Cup moment he may never have again

By:

Alan Bastable

When the final day of the Ryder Cup started at Bethpage Black, the Europeans held a 12-5 lead after Hovland’s withdrawal. They needed just 2.5 points from the remaining 11 matches to win the cup. Europe’s large lead suggested that Hovland’s WD would not be an important storyline in the final proceedings. But as the Americans put red on the board early, Hovland’s half point looked like it might prove to be the deciding tally in Europe claiming a road win. But Ludvig Åberg beat Patrick Cantlay, while Matt Fitzpatrick, Shane Lowry, Tyrrell Hatton and Robert MacIntyre all put half points on the board to get Europe to 15 points.

After Europe finished off the Americans on Sunday, captain Keegan Bradley voiced his frustration with the rule that gave Europe a half point for Hovland’s injury.

“The rule has to change,” Bradley said. “I think it’s obvious to everybody in the sports world, in this room. Nothing against Viktor. But that rule needs to be changed by the next Ryder Cup.”

Hovland understands the frustration with the rule but also noted that it’s part of the fabric of what is supposed to be a friendly exhibition.

The rule has been in place since 1979, but hasn’t been used since 1993. The rule has only been enacted twice. In 1991, American Steve Pate suffered bruised ribs in a car accident a few days before the event. He sat until Saturday afternoon but reaggravated the injury. Pate couldn’t play, and David Gilford’s name was pulled from the envelope. The U.S. went on to win 14.5-13.5. In 1993, European Sam Torrance had to sit with an infected toe. Lanny Wadkins agreed to sit for Team USA, so no name was pulled from the envelope. The U.S. won 15-13.

“It’s tough. I think we’re so used to in sports that if you can’t play because you’re hurt, obviously that should be a loss of point,” Hovland said. “But I think in the spirit of the Ryder Cup and the spirit of the game and the history of it, knowing that this Ryder Cup is just a part of many, many Ryder Cups to come, I think it’s more of a gentlemen’s agreement that okay, you were hurt this time and maybe the next time there’s a guy on the U.S.’s team and we’re all kind of sympathetic about the person being hurt and not being able to play.

“I think there’s kind of a mutual understanding that if we were healthy we would all go out there and play. I don’t think people are using that to really finagle the system and try and squeak by.”

Suggesting a rule change is easier than finding one that makes sense. As Hovland noted, forcing the team with an injured player to take a loss would be an easy system to game.

“If you do change the rule and you give away a point, now there’s also the angle that okay, knowing that the other team is going to put out their best player most likely in the first few groups, they can just kind of put me out as a sacrificial lamb and take the L against their best player,” Hovland said. “So there’s other ways around it, and I don’t think there’s any ideal way to do it. I think that’s just a better way overall to do it, even though it’s just a tough situation, and at the end of the day, I think we’d all be wanting to go out there and play.”

European captain Luke Donald sees no need to alter the rule. The players want to play. If they can’t, the envelope is there — as it has been since 1979.

“The rule is the rule and it’s been in place for a long time,” Donald said after his team’s victory at Bethpage Black.

Editor’s note: For more on the ‘envelope’ and the history behind it, clickhere for this story written by GOLF’s Dylan Dethier.