Team India to participate in Hong Kong World Sixes after 12 years

The iconic Hong Kong Sixes cricket tournament is set to make a highly anticipated comeback from November 1 to November 3, marking its first edition since 2017. Adding to the excitement, India will be participating in this year's competition, having last featured in the tournament in 2012.

Cricket Hong Kong confirmed the news in a post on X (formerly Twitter), sparking anticipation among fans. "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," the tweet read.

India is among 11 nations competing, including cricket arch-rival Pakistan, raising the prospect of a potential India vs Pakistan showdown. The tournament, renowned for its fast-paced and unique format, has seen participation from some of cricket’s greatest, including legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Brian Lara.

First introduced in 1992, the Hong Kong Sixes format allows each team to field just six players, with only four fielders excluding the bowler and wicketkeeper. All players, except the keeper, must bowl an over, making each match a thrilling five-over contest. Batsmen retire upon reaching 31 runs but can return if all other players are dismissed or retired.

The tournament was an annual fixture from 1993 to 1997 before being held sporadically, last taking place in 2017 when South Africa emerged victorious, defeating Pakistan in the final. South Africa and England lead the charts with five titles each, while Pakistan has won four. Sri Lanka, Australia, India, and the West Indies have one title apiece.