India, Pakistan set for another showdown after recent drama, this time in Hong Kong Sixes

India and Pakistan are set to face each other for the fifth time across all forms of cricket in the space of a couple of months. After the Men’s Asia Cup last month and the ongoing ICC Women’s World Cup, the arch-rivals are set for a showdown in the upcoming Hong Kong Sixes, an annual six-a-side cricket tournament that’s held annually at the Kowloon Cricket Club in Hong Kong.

Ashwin to play under DK’s leadership in Hong Kong

And as was the case in the Asia Cup, India and Pakistan have been clubbed together in the same group. India will be led by former wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik with spin legend Ravichandran Ashwin also set to participate in the slam bang tournament in which matches are limited to six six-ball overs per side, with eight-ball overs bowled in the final.

“It is an absolute honour leading Team India at the Hong Kong Sixes, a tournament with such rich history and global recognition. I look forward to leading a group of players who have such incredible records to their credit, and together we will aim to bring joy to the fans and play cricket that is both fearless and entertaining,” Karthik said in an official statement released by the organisers.

“We are thrilled to welcome Dinesh Karthik as the captain of Team India for the Hong Kong Sixes 2025. His leadership and wealth of experience will add immense value to the competition, and we are confident that his presence will attract fans from across the globe to witness this spectacular cricketing festival,” said Burji Shroff, Chairperson of Cricket Hong Kong, China.

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India had defeated Pakistan thrice in as many meetings in the Men’s Asia Cup, all of which had taken place in Dubai, and the women pulled off a similar result in their World Cup showdown in Colombo earlier this month. Karthik and Co thus will be aiming to make it 5-0 for India against Pakistan across all forms of the game a few days from now.

How many other teams are in action at 2025 Hong Kong Sixes? 

A total of 12 teams will be taking part in the upcoming edition of Hong Kong sixes, which have been divided into four groups of three teams each.

South Africa, Afghanistan, Nepal, Australia, England, UAE, Kuwait, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh are the teams participating in the upcoming edition that takes place between 7 to 9 November besides India, Pakistan and hosts Hong Kong, China.

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It’s not just Pool C – which comprises India and Pakistan besides Kuwait – that comprises two fierce rivals; Ashes rivals Australia and England are placed in the same group, as are ‘Naagin Derby’ rivals Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

Here are the four groups for the 2025 Hong Kong Sixes: 

Pool A: South Africa, Afghanistan and Nepal

Pool B: Australia, England and UAE

Pool C: India, Pakistan and Kuwait

Pool D: Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Hong Kong China.

Pakistan, England and South Africa are the most successful teams in the history of Hong Kong Sixes, which had first taken place in 1992 and enters its 21st edition this year, with five titles each with Pakistan also finishing runners-up on six occasions, the most by any team.

Sri Lanka have won the event twice, including last year, while Australia, India and West Indies have one title each. India’s only victory in the tournament had occurred in 2005 when they beat Windies in the final.