Group Draw and Fixture Schedule Announced for Hong Kong Sixes Cricket Tournament

October 2, Kathmandu – The group draw and match schedule for the upcoming Hong Kong Sixes Cricket Tournament in Hong Kong have been officially announced. The organizers revealed the groupings and fixtures on Friday. A total of 12 teams have been divided into four groups. Group ‘A’ includes Australia, England, and Hong Kong, while Group ‘B’ consists of Bangladesh, Scotland, and Sri Lanka. Group ‘C’ features India, Pakistan, and the UAE, whereas Group ‘D’ comprises South Africa, Oman, and Afghanistan. The opening match on the first day will be between Australia and Hong Kong. Nine additional matches are also scheduled for the same day. Nepal is not participating this time due to the third edition of the National Premier League (NPL) taking place concurrently in Nepal. The tournament will run for three days, from October 30 to November 1, at the Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground in Hong Kong. Nepal had previously participated in two editions of this tournament.

Hong Kong Sixes cricket matches are short formats consisting of only six overs per side, with each team fielding six players, aiming to hit sixes off every ball—that’s the origin of the tournament’s name. The playing field is smaller, and except for the bowler and wicketkeeper, only four fielders are allowed. Given that only six players take part, batsmen are encouraged to play aggressive shots every ball. The tournament features innovative rules for batting and bowling: a batsman must retire automatically after scoring 50 runs but may return only after the last wicket falls. Even after losing five wickets, a single batsman can continue alone, with another player remaining at the crease to assist in running between the wickets. In bowling, every player except the wicketkeeper is required to bowl, but no one may bowl more than two overs. The tournament particularly attracts players who have retired from international cricket. Since there are only six players per team, special attention is given to selecting players capable in both batting and bowling.