Cricket’s flashiest and shortest format is set to make a grand return as the Hong Kong Sixes 2025 kicks off from November 7–9 at the Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground. Known for its non-stop action and carnival-like atmosphere, the tournament is back once again after it made a comeback after a 7-year hiatus last year. As many as 12 nations are part of it.
What is the Hong Kong Sixes?
The Hong Kong Sixes was first played in 1992 and quickly became a cult favourite for fans. The concept is simple but thrilling: matches are just five overs per side, played between six-a-side teams. Each bowler delivers one over (except the wicketkeeper), with one bowler allowed two. The format guarantees a flurry of boundaries, and results within minutes.
Over the years, legends like Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni, Sanath Jayasuriya, and Shane Warne have lit up the competition. South Africa and England have historically dominated, winning five titles each, while India have lifted the trophy once. Sri Lanka won the title last year.
Hong Kong Sixes: Tournament Details
- Dates: November 7–9, 2025
- Venue: Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground, Hong Kong
- Format: 12 teams, divided into 4 groups. Top 2 in each group qualify for the quarterfinals.
- Matches: 29 games across three days
- Telecast: Fancode (likely), Cricket Hong Kong YouTube channel
Teams and Groups
A total of 12 teams will feature in the 2025 edition:
- Pool A: South Africa, Afghanistan, Nepal
- Pool B: Australia, England, UAE
- Pool C: India, Pakistan, Kuwait
- Pool D: Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Hong Kong China
Indian Participation
India will be led by Dinesh Karthik, who continues his cricketing journey even after IPL retirement. The veteran wicketkeeper-batter expressed his excitement about captaining India in the iconic six-a-side event. Karthik will be joined by fellow stalwart Ravichandran Ashwin, who will also be in action for the first time after he announced his retirement.
Karthik said: “It is an absolute honour leading Team India at the Hong Kong Sixes, a tournament with such rich history and global recognition. We look forward to bringing joy to the fans and playing fearless cricket.”
Full Schedule of Hong Kong Sixes 2025
Day 1 – Friday, November 7
| Time (HKT) | Match | Pool |
|---|---|---|
| 08:15–09:10 | Bangladesh vs Hong Kong, China | D |
| 09:10–10:05 | England vs UAE | B |
| 10:05–11:00 | Pakistan vs Kuwait | C |
| 11:00–11:55 | Afghanistan vs Nepal | A |
| 11:55–12:50 | Sri Lanka vs Hong Kong, China | D |
| 12:50–13:45 | Australia vs UAE | B |
| 13:45–14:40 | South Africa vs Afghanistan | A |
| 14:40–15:35 | Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh | D |
| 15:35–16:30 | India vs Pakistan | C |
| 16:30–17:25 | England vs Australia | B |
Day 2 — Saturday, 8 November 2025
| Time (HKT) | Match | Stage |
|---|---|---|
| 08:15–09:10 | South Africa vs Nepal | Pool A |
| 09:10–10:05 | India vs Kuwait | Pool C |
| 10:05–11:00 | A3 vs D3 | Bowl M1 |
| 11:00–11:55 | B3 vs C3 | Bowl M2 |
| 11:55–12:50 | B1 vs D2 | Q Final 1 |
| 12:50–13:45 | A1 vs C2 | Q Final 2 |
| 13:45–14:40 | A3 vs C3 | Bowl M3 |
| 14:40–15:35 | B3 vs D3 | Bowl M4 |
| 15:35–16:30 | D1 vs B2 | Q Final 3 |
| 16:30–17:25 | C1 vs A2 | Q Final 4 |
Day 3 — Sunday, 9 November 2025
| Time (HKT) | Match | Stage |
|---|---|---|
| 08:15–09:10 | A3 vs B3 | Bowl M5 |
| 09:10–10:05 | LQ1 vs LQ2 | Plate SF 1 |
| 10:05–11:00 | LQ3 vs LQ4 | Plate SF 2 |
| 11:00–11:55 | C3 vs D3 | Bowl M6 |
| 11:55–12:50 | WQ1 vs WQ2 | Cup SF 1 |
| 12:50–13:45 | WQ3 vs WQ4 | Cup SF 2 |
| 13:45–14:40 | TBA vs TBA | Bowl Final |
| 14:40–15:35 | WM22 vs WM23 | Plate Final |
| 15:35–16:30 | WM25 vs WM26 | Cup Final |
- A1, A2, A3 etc. = finishing positions in Pool A; same for B, C, D.
- WQ1–WQ4 = Winners of Quarterfinals 1–4.
- LQ1–LQ4 = Losers of Quarterfinals 1–4 (these feed the Plate semis).
- WMxx = Winner of the match numbered xx in the bracket.
- TBA = teams to be decided based on earlier matches.
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