IPL Giants Join Hong Kong Cricket in Global Sixes Expansion Deal
SCMP · 1 SOURCESabout 1 hour ago2 MIN
Summary
JSW Sports, the co-owner of Indian Premier League powerhouse Delhi Capitals, has signed a commercial partnership with Cricket Hong Kong, China to expand the Hong Kong Sixes into a global circuit. The deal, announced on Wednesday, brings together one of India's most prominent sports management companies with Hong Kong's historic short-format cricket tournament. The partnership aims to leverage JSW Sports' commercial expertise and international connections to transform the Sixes from a local event into a worldwide series.
Key Points
- JSW Sports, which also owns Pretoria Capitals, Bengaluru FC and Haryana Steelers in Pro Kabbadi League, will serve as commercial partner for Hong Kong Sixes
- The Sixes tournament returned in 2024 after being suspended for seven years, drawing over 10,000 fans across three days at Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground
- Cricket Hong Kong, China board member Anurag Bhatnagar said the vision is to "build this into a much bigger format, and to go global"
- The expansion plan calls for adding one overseas venue annually, targeting Asia and Middle East for 2027 before branching to Africa and Europe
- Bhatnagar noted discussions with other cricket boards have received "absolute enthusiasm," with three additional venues potentially lockable soon
Why It Matters
The partnership represents a significant opportunity for Hong Kong to establish itself as a hub for short-format cricket innovation, potentially generating economic benefits and international visibility similar to how the Dubai World Cup transformed horse racing in the Gulf region. The global Sixes circuit could also provide development pathways for Hong Kong cricketers to compete against elite international players while attracting tourism and investment to the city.
The partnership represents a significant opportunity for Hong Kong to establish itself as a hub for short-format cricket innovation, potentially generating economic benefits and international visibility similar to how the Dubai World Cup transformed horse racing in the Gulf region. The global Sixes circuit could also provide development pathways for Hong Kong cricketers to compete against elite international players while attracting tourism and investment to the city.