iWorld
INSA UK partners Test Twenty to open cricket trials for Indian students
Tie-up gives UK based Indian students aged 13 to 21 access to global player trials.
MUMBAI: Books may shape the mind, but now the bat could shape the future. Indian students in the UK are getting a fresh shot at cricketing recognition after the Indian National Students Association (INSA UK) partnered with Test Twenty to open player trials to Indian students and young Indian-origin cricketers studying across Britain.
As the Founding Educational and Youth Engagement Partner for the UK, INSA will leverage its university network to help eligible players register for the trials and work towards selection in Test Twenty’s growing global talent pool.
The initiative targets university cricketers and aspiring players aged 13 to 21, reflecting a broader effort to tap into Britain’s vibrant student cricket ecosystem while widening participation among South Asian and international students.
Unlike conventional formats, Test Twenty has attracted attention for its distinctive 80-over structure, where a match is played across four innings of 20 overs in a single day. Central to the competition is its Parity Rule, under which every franchise fields one men’s and one women’s team. Both sides contribute to a single result, with the women’s innings directly influencing the men’s outcome later in the day.
Beyond player registrations, INSA plans to launch a ‘Bring a Buddy’ campaign, encouraging Indian students to invite teammates, classmates and friends from different nationalities to register, reinforcing the tournament’s focus on diversity and community participation.
The partnership comes as interest in cricket continues to grow globally ahead of the sport’s return to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, creating new pathways for emerging talent seeking international exposure.
Players registering through the INSA network will become part of Test Twenty’s global scouting programme, which aims to identify and develop young male and female cricketers within the same competitive framework.
Commenting on the collaboration, Gaurav Bahirvani, Founder and Chairman of Parity Sports, said universities represent a unique blend of talent, ambition and cultural exchange, making them an ideal platform to nurture the next generation of cricketers and leaders.
Amit Tiwari, President of INSA UK, said the partnership combines the tradition of Test cricket with a modern format capable of engaging both lifelong fans and newcomers to the sport, while strengthening community connections among students.
Registrations for the UK player trials are now open through the INSA university network, with further updates to be shared via the partners’ social media platforms.
