Ravichandran Ashwin will play in the Hong Kong Sixes Tournament this November. He retired from international cricket in December and bowed out of the IPL in August.
The Hong Kong Sixes is a six-a-side event known for its wild, high-octane action — one Ashwin says he grew up watching on TV. Cricket Hong Kong confirmed he’ll join India’s squad in Hong Kong.
In this article I explain the story behind this comeback and what it means for fans.
Ashwin’s Road Back: From Retirement to the Hong Kong Sixes Tournament
The veteran spinner has had one of cricket’s busiest retirements ever. Late in 2024, Ashwin bid farewell to international cricket midway through a tough tour of Australia, and he wrapped up his IPL career with Chennai Super Kings in 2025.
But instead of just stepping back, he surprised everyone again. Cricket Hong Kong said Ashwin will be part of Team India for the Hong Kong Sixes (Nov 7–9).
They called him “one of the best spin bowlers today” and said his presence adds “great skill, experience, and star quality.” Seeing this experienced player back on the field was like a leader ready for one final fight.
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- International: 537 Test wickets (2nd-most by an Indian).
- IPL: 187 wickets in 221 matches (5th-highest total).
- Championships: Two IPL titles with CSK (2010, 2011).
- Honors: Champions League T20 (2010) Player of the Tournament.
Ashwin sounded thrilled: “This format requires a different strategy and will prove to be high octane,” he said of playing with ex-teammates. He even recalled watching the Sixes as a child: “We have all watched the HK Sixes as youngsters…it has always been a format that I wanted to be a part of.”
Hong Kong Cricket chair Burji Shroff added that Ashwin “elevates the tournament” with his talent.
Legendary Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin ( @ashwinravi99 ) is set to light up Hong Kong!
He’ll be a key part of Team India at the @hongkongsixes 2025, happening from 7–9 November.
Fans will get the rare chance to watch Ashwin’s wizardry in the fastest, most entertaining… pic.twitter.com/erpz6BQDnl
— Cricket Hong Kong, China (@CricketHK) September 18, 2025
Six-a-side Fury: The Hong Kong Sixes Spectacle
The Hong Kong Sixes is cricket in turbo mode. This three-day festival (Nov 7–9 at Mission Road, Kowloon) has been running since 1992.
Matches are lightning-fast: five overs per side (final is eight-ball), with only six players per team. Every fielder but the keeper bowls one over. It’s built for drama — one over can turn a game on its head.
About a dozen teams will play in 2025. India joins hosts Hong Kong and teams like Australia, England, and South Africa. (Last edition had 24 teams; Pakistan still leads with five titles.) It’s basically a mini-World Cup of fun.
Sixes format at a glance:
- 6 players per side; 5 overs per innings (8-ball final).
- Each non-wicketkeeper bowls one over.
- 3-day event with ~12 teams (India, Hong Kong, Australia, England, SA).
Fans love its “fast-paced, television-friendly” style. To me, it’s cricket on fast-forward: every hit feels like a mini-firework.
Amit Mishra’s Thoughts
Ashwin will not play Tests or ODIs anymore; the Hong Kong Sixes is just a special ending for India.
For fans and me, it’s a nice chance, a final look at his skill on the field. I’m really happy to see him tell another story.
Watching Ashwin bowl in this fun setting is like seeing a famous singer perform one last time: enjoyable, a little bit of a throwback, and full of style. I am excited to enjoy every part of this surprising chapter with happiness and a smile.
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FAQs
- Why is Ravichandran Ashwin playing in the Hong Kong Sixes after retirement?
Ashwin said he was open to other short-format leagues, so he took the Sixes as one last high-octane challenge. - When and where will the Hong Kong Sixes 2025 be held?
It’s Nov 7–9, 2025, at Mission Road in Kowloon, Hong Kong. - What is the format of the Hong Kong Sixes Tournament?
It’s six-a-side. Each match has five overs per innings (final has eight-ball overs), and every player (except the keeper) bowls one over. - Which teams will compete in Hong Kong Sixes 2025?
Teams include India, hosts Hong Kong, Australia, England, South Africa and others. - Is Ashwin coming out of retirement to play for India again?
No, Ashwin is no longer visible in international cricket since he retired in December 2024. It is not a repeat of a formal team game but a sort of special
