In a recent development, legendary spinner Ravichandran Ashwin will return to Team India nearly nine months after retiring from all formats of international cricket. The Tamil Nadu-born cricketer will play for Team India in the Hong Kong Sixes 2025 tournament, which will take place from November 7 to 9.
Ashwin retired from international cricket on December 18, 2024, during India’s tour of Australia. The 39-year-old cricketer played for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. However, Ashwin took to social media to confirm his retirement from all forms of Indian cricket last month.
We Are Proud to Welcome Ravichandran Ashwin – Hong Kong Cricket Chairperson
After retiring from Indian cricket, Ravichandran Ashwin revealed that he would play in cricket leagues. He received offers from tournaments such as the Big Bash League, The Hundred, and ILT20. However, organizers of the Hong Kong Sixes announced that Ashwin will feature in the upcoming edition.
Burji Shroff, Chairperson of Hong Kong Cricket, expressed excitement over Ashwin’s inclusion in Team India for the Hong Kong Sixes 2025. He said that Ashwin’s presence will elevate the tournament to a higher level.
“We are proud to welcome R. 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,” Burji Shroff said.
It Has Always Been an Existing Format – Ravichandran Ashwin
Ravichandran Ashwin said that he has loved the tournament. He stated that the format demands unique strategies. Ashwin also said that he looks forward to playing alongside former teammates against quality opposition teams, describing it as a good challenge.
“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,” Ashwin said.
“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.”
Hong Kong Sixes Tournament Format and Team Composition
The Hong Kong Sixes is a six-a-side cricket tournament that started in 1992. Each team bowls a maximum of five overs with six balls in a regular match, while the final has five overs with eight balls. Every player except the wicketkeeper gets to bowl one over.
24 teams participated in the last tournament held in 2024. Pakistan has been the most successful team in the Hong Kong Sixes, winning the title five times and finishing second on five occasions.
Talking about Ravichandran Ashwin, he retired from international cricket in December 2024. The spinner finished his Test career with 537 wickets, the second-highest for India after Anil Kumble. He also took 156 wickets in ODIs and 72 in T20 internationals.