Cricket Hong Kong have announced that after a gap of five years the Hong Kong Sixes will return to the local sporting calendar on the 28-29 October 2017 at Kowloon Cricket Club.
The ‘fastest’ cricket format in the world will see eight international teams participating in matches that take just 45 minutes to complete. The Sixes will also look to take advantage of technology changes as Cricket Hong Kong aims to create a tournament with a distinct identity.
“Everyone in the cricket community here in Hong Kong is delighted to have the Sixes confirmed as being back on our calendar,” Cricket Hong Kong Director Jonathan Cummings said. “We love what the Sixes were and are passionate about bringing the best bits with us, but we won’t be satisfied putting on the same show as in 2012.”
“This will be the Sixes 2.0 and over time, we want to make this the most hi-tech, innovative cricket tournament in the world. The emergence of Twenty20 leagues around the world is great, but this is an opportunity to create a different a experience for cricket lovers and to engage new fans to the sport.”
“It’s a format where we aren’t bound by the traditional rules of the game, so we will be designing everything to provide maximum entertainment value and engagement.” Cummings said.
“We’ve already launched the Junior Cricket Sixes into local schools and we look forward to connecting that programme with the October event. Anyone can enjoy Sixes cricket, lots of big hits and great entertainment with no breaks.”
The Sixes will be held at the Kowloon Cricket Club with KCC President David Brettell commenting that “KCC is in full support of Cricket Hong Kong’s efforts to reinstate the event. We are delighted to welcome back the Hong Kong Cricket Sixes to the KCC and we are excited to be partnering with Cricket Hong Kong in their endeavour to bring a world class sporting event to Hong Kong”.
“We’d like to extend our thanks to Kowloon Cricket Club,” Cummings said. “The venue is perfect for Sixes cricket and they have the experience in providing world class hospitality and service and will host spectators to an outstanding weekend.”
Teams for the event will be confirmed within the next month with a minimum of six full member nations to participate.
HK Cricket Sixes
Date: 28-29 October, 2017
Venue: Kowloon Cricket Club
Tickets: tbc
Additional reporting and image: HK Cricket