Return of Hong Kong Sixes 2025: Format, rules, past winners; Everything in one

Hong Kong Sixes 2025 (Source: AFP & X.com/@HongKongSixes)

The world of cricket is all set to experience the most unique tournament. The iconic Sixes held by Hong Kong returns, taking place from November 7 to 9, 2025. After a hiatus, this thrilling and fast-paced version of the game is back, and India will be participating with the 12 other teams. 

The revival of the tournament will add a flair of spice ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026, especially with potential showdowns between arch-rivals India and Pakistan. As the nations start their Hong Kong Sixes 2025 campaign on 7 November. 

At OneCricket, let's decode this unique tournament, explaining the Hong Kong Sixes rules, format, teams, and much more. 

What is Hong Kong Sixes?

The Hong Kong Sixes is an annual six-a-side international cricket tournament. Organised by Cricket Hong Kong, China, it was sanctioned by the International Cricket Council. The event comprises between eight and twelve teams. 

The “cult favourite”, for its fast-paced format it is especially designed for television viewing, with rules and a venue that encourage aggressive batting and high scoring. 

Notably, all the editions of this one-of-a-kind tournament have been held at the Kowloon Cricket Club except for the 1996 and 1997 editions. These two editions were held at the Hong Kong Stadium. Meanwhile, the 2024 edition was held in the Mission Road Ground in Kowloon.

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Hong Kong Sixes format explained

The speed and unpredictability of this event make it unique and thrilling for fast-paced cricket lovers. Encouraging explosive batting, aggressive bowling, and sharp fielding, every match in this tournament is a 45-minute showdown. With only six players allowed per team, there is almost no room for error, making each moment crucial.

The Hong Kong Sixes format suggests, that each team plays with 6 players in each game, compared with the usual 11. Moreover, the matches consist of a maximum of 6 overs per side, with each over having 6 balls in regular matches.

What are the rules of Hong Kong Sixes?

The following rules at the Hong Kong Sixes events bring constant action to the field. 

1. Every player in the fielding side, except the wicketkeeper, must bowl exactly one over, and wides & no-balls incur a penalty of 2 runs each. There is no free hit for a no-ball.
2. When a batsman reaches 31 runs, they must retire not out but can come back in once all other batsmen have been dismissed or have retired.
3. If five wickets fall before the six overs are completed, the last remaining batsman continues to bat with the fifth dismissed player acting as a runner.
4. The not-out batsman must always take strike in this last-wicket scenario, and the innings ends with the dismissal of the last batter.

Unlike longer formats, where players can afford to take their time, this event demands constant pressure, pushing athletes to the edge of their abilities and fans to the edge of their seats. 

Stage-wise qualification scenario in the Hong Kong Sixes 2025

This eccentric tournament follows a very unique and never-seen-before qualification scenario. To understand it in depth, read below.

Most successful teams in the Sixes by Hong Kong

Below is the fill list of all Hong Kong Sixes winners:

The resurgence of Hong Kong Sixes 2025 promises another thrilling tournament of high-octane, six-a-side cricket event. A blend of veteran retired legends, seasoned players, and a pool of rising names are ready to entertain cricket lovers in this massive festival of bat and ball. 

Stay tuned for more news related to Hong Kong Sixes, including results, squads, venue, and more updates. 

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