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The 21st edition of the thrilling six-a-side tournament kicks off in Hong Kong today, with India facing Pakistan in their opening match on Friday.
After a disappointing campaign in the previous edition, India will look to a revamped squad for a stronger showing. Former T20 World Cup winner Dinesh Karthik leads the team and includes ex-Indian internationals Robin Uthappa, Stuart Binny, Abhimanyu Mithun, and Shahbaz Nadeem. Domestic stalwarts Priyank Panchal and Bharat Chipli complete the lineup. Former India off-spinner R. Ashwin had been slated to play but was ruled out due to a recent knee injury.
What is the Hong Kong Sixes tournament?
The Hong Kong Sixes is a distinctive cricket tournament that started in the 1990s, giving local cricketers and fans a rare chance to witness top international talent. It was created because, despite being an ICC Associate Member, Hong Kong lacked a platform for players to compete against the world’s best. Unlike typical exhibition matches, the Hong Kong Sixes established itself as an annual “international” competition featuring national teams. Cricket boards raised no objections to their players taking part, enabling the tournament to attract high-profile stars. The event ran annually from 1993 to 1997 and then from 2001 to 2012, but its regular schedule was disrupted by the rise of franchise-based T20 leagues. After a one-off edition in 2017, the tournament was relaunched in 2024.
India Squad
Dinesh Karthik (c), Stuart Binny, Bharat Chipli, Abhimanyu Mithun, Shahbaz Nadeem, Priyank Panchal, Robin Uthappa.
Pakistan Squad
Abbas Afridi (c), Abdul Samad, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay, Maaz Sadaqat, Mohammad Shahzad, Saad Masood, Shahid Aziz.
Match Overview:
Date: 7 November 2025
Time: 1:05 PM IST
Venue: Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground, Hong Kong.
Where to watch?
The India vs Pakistan Hong Kong Sixes match will be televised live on the Sony Sports Ten 5 TV channel, and can be streamed on Fancode.
