Ravichandran Ashwin bid farewell to international cricket last December, midway through India’s tour of Australia.
Ravichandran Set for International Comeback at Hong Kong Sixes
Former spinner Ravichandran Ashwin is poised to return to the Indian team, nine months after retiring from international cricket. The veteran will feature in the Hong Kong Sixes tournament, scheduled from November 7-9.
Ravichandran had announced his international retirement last December during India’s tour of Australia but continued to play in the IPL for Chennai Super Kings earlier this year. Speculation about his trade from CSK grew, only for Ashwin to confirm his retirement from all forms of cricket last month.
Despite stepping away, Ashwin indicated openness to participate in global leagues, attracting offers from the Big Bash League, The Hundred, and ILT20. On Thursday, Hong Kong Sixes organisers officially confirmed his participation in the upcoming edition.
Ashwin Joins Team India for High-Octane Hong Kong Sixes
The organisers announced, “Widely regarded as one of the finest spin bowlers in modern cricket, Ashwin’s inclusion adds immense depth, experience, and star power to Team India’s campaign in this fast-paced, action-packed global tournament.”
The Hong Kong Sixes, first held in 1992, is a six-a-side event featuring five six-ball overs per side (except for the final, which has five eight-ball overs). Each fielder bowls one over, except the wicketkeeper. The last edition in 2024 featured 24 teams, with Pakistan being the most successful side, winning five titles and finishing runner-up on five occasions.