Spin legend R. Ashwin is set to don India’s colours again, but in a completely different setting. The 38-year-old, who retired from international cricket last year and stepped away from the IPL in August, will feature in the six-a-side Hong Kong Sixes tournament from November 7 to 9. Ashwin is the first Indian player announced for the squad.
Here’s everything you need to know:
Q: What is the Hong Kong Sixes tournament?
A: The Hong Kong Sixes is a fast-paced, six-a-side cricket competition that started in the 1990s. It was designed to give Hong Kong’s cricketers and fans a chance to watch international stars in action, despite the city being only an ICC Associate Member. Unlike one-off exhibition matches, it became an annual international event, with cricket boards allowing players to participate freely. The Sixes ran from 1993–1997, returned from 2001–2012, briefly resurfaced in 2017, and was relaunched in 2024.
Q: How is it different from regular cricket?
A: Matches are short, explosive, and designed for entertainment — only six players per side, with smaller boundaries, fewer overs, and high-scoring games.
Q: Who represented India in the 2024 edition?
A: India fielded a team led by Robin Uthappa, with Manoj Tiwary, Stuart Binny, Shreevats Goswami, Kedar Jadhav, Bharat Chipli, and Shahbaz Nadeem. The side was knocked out in the group stage.
Q: Has India ever won the Hong Kong Sixes?
A: Yes, but only once. India lifted the title in 2005.
Q: Which legends have played in the Hong Kong Sixes before?
A: Several big names, including Sachin Tendulkar and MS Dhoni, have featured in the tournament, adding to its charm and international flavour.
Published on Sep 24, 2025
