Spin legend R Ashwin is set to return to represent Team India, albeit in a rejigged avatar for Team India in the forthcoming six-a-side Hong Kong Sixes tournament.
Ashwin, who announced his retirement from international cricket last year and subsequently retired from the IPL in August, was the first player to be named from the Indian side for the championship to be held from November 7 to 9.
“We have all watched the HK Sixes as youngsters on television and it has always been an existing format that I wanted to be a part of. This format requires a different strategy and will prove to be high octane, which I am looking forward to playing alongside my ex-teammates. I am also thrilled to compete against some quality players in the opposition teams; it will be a good challenge for us,” said Ashwin.
The 38-year-old Ashwin was also speculated to enter the SA20 2026 auction, but he ultimately didn’t because he was already in the auction pool for the ILT20, scheduled to be held on September 30. The two tournaments are typically held at the same time.
We are proud to welcome Ashwin to the Hong Kong Sixes 2025. His presence in Team India elevates the tournament to an even higher level, bringing one of the finest cricketing minds and performers of this era to Hong Kong. The Sixes is about innovation, entertainment, and world-class talent, and Ashwin embodies all of these qualities. We are confident that fans will be treated to a spectacular show of cricket,” said, Burji Shroff, chairperson of Hong Kong Cricket.
What is the Hong Kong Sixes tournament?
The Hong Kong Sixes is a unique cricket tournament that began in the 1990s, offering Hong Kong’s cricketers and fans the opportunity to see top international players. The event was created because Hong Kong, despite being an ICC Associate Member, lacked a platform for players to compete against the world’s best.
Unlike other exhibition matches, the Hong Kong Sixes successfully established itself as an annual “international” competition with national teams. Cricket boards did not object to their players participating, which allowed the tournament to attract a roster of star players. The tournament was held annually from 1993 to 1997 and again from 2001 to 2012. Its regular schedule was interrupted by the rise of franchise-based T20 leagues. After a single event in 2017, the tournament was relaunched in 2024.
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Who represented India in the 2024 Hong Kong Sixes tournament?
The Indian side was represented by Manoj Tiwary, Stuart Binny, Shreevats Goswami, Kedar Jadhav, Bharat Chipli, Shahbaz Nadeem last season with Robin Uthappa named as captain of the team which was knocked out in the group stage.
Several legends including Sachin Tendulkar and MS Dhoni have previously appeared in the tournament that India have won only once in 2005.
