The Hong Kong Sixes returns after a seven-year break, with India joining 11 other nations in the competition, scheduled to be held from November 1-3. Famous for its fast-paced format and iconic players, the 2024 edition is set to deliver high-octane action and exciting performances.
The dynamic six-a-side format guarantees fast-paced matches and high-scoring games, making it a favorite among fans and TV viewers. The tournament has attracted numerous cricket legends over the years, including Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni, Shane Warne, Wasim Akram, Shoaib Malik, Sanath Jayasuriya, Anil Kumble, Umar Akmal, Glenn Maxwell, and Damien Martyn. Historically, Pakistan, England, and South Africa have been the most successful teams in the competition.
Cricket Hong Kong announced India’s participation through a social media post, stating, “Team India is gearing up to smash it out of the park at HK6! Prepare for explosive power hitting and a storm of sixes that will electrify the crowd! Expect More Teams, More Sixes, More Excitement, and Maximum thrills!”
🚨TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT🚨
Team India is gearing up to smash it out of the park at HK6! 🇮🇳💥
Prepare for explosive power hitting and a storm of sixes that will electrify the crowd! 🔥
Expect More Teams, More Sixes, More Excitement, and MAXIMUM THRILLS! 🔥🔥
HK6 is back from 1st to… pic.twitter.com/P5WDkksoJn
— Cricket Hong Kong, China (@CricketHK) October 7, 2024
Pakistan has already unveiled their squad for the Hong Kong Cricket Sixes, with Faheem Ashraf appointed as captain. The seven-member team includes experienced players such as Asif Ali and Hussain Talat. The Pakistan Cricket Board announced, “Faheem Ashraf will lead the seven-member Pakistan squad participating in the Hong Kong Cricket Sixes.”Â
With India’s participation, the 2024 edition is shaping up to be one of the most thrilling and fiercely contested tournaments yet. Fans are eagerly anticipating which nation will come out on top in this event, known for its storied past and unforgettable moments.
The tournament initially ran annually from 1993 to 1997, before taking a four-year break and resuming in 2001. It continued each year until 2012, then briefly reappeared in 2017 though without an Indian team before going on another seven-year break.
Hong Kong Sixes format
This year’s edition will see a total of 12 teams, including India and Pakistan. Other countries participating include Australia, Bangladesh, England, Hong Kong, Nepal, New Zealand, Oman, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and the United Arab Emirates. In contrast to standard cricket formats like T20 or T10, the Sixes offers an ultra-fast, high-energy version of the game, with just six players per team and matches that wrap up in a mere 45 minutes.
The groups and the fixtures for the competition will be released in due course of time.
Hong Kong Sixes rules
The Hong Kong Sixes tournament is known for its distinctive format. Each game features two teams of six players, with each side batting for a maximum of five overs. In the final match, the overs are extended to eight balls each. Every fielder, apart from the wicketkeeper, must bowl one over, and any wides or no-balls are penalized with two runs.
A batsman must retire upon reaching 31 runs but can return to the crease if all other batsmen have either been dismissed or have retired. This rule often creates exciting scenarios towards the end of an innings, with lower-order players taking risky singles, aware that their well-set teammate can rejoin the action if they get out.
If five wickets fall before the completion of the five overs, the last remaining batter will continue to bat while the fifth batter acts as a runner. The not-out batter must always face the next delivery, and the innings will conclude when he is dismissed.
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Mohd Faisal Hakak is a sports author from Kashmir. He likes to keep tabs on the sporting world with a keen interest in football, motorsports, NBA, and other marquee sports. He is a science graduate from Islamia College Srinagar.
