In a shocking change of events, former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin is going to play competitive cricket again for Team India, but not in the way that most people would think. The legendary off-spinner, who stopped playing international cricket in December 2024, will be on the team for the Hong Kong Sixes event, which will be held from November 7 to 9.
During India’s tour of Australia last year, Ashwin retired from international cricket. This year, he still played for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). But in late August, he surprised everyone by saying he was quitting all forms of Indian cricket, including the IPL. He wrote on social media, “My time as an explorer of the game around various leagues begins today,” which showed that he wanted to play in T20 competitions in other countries.
This news rapidly led to offers from well-known leagues including the ILT20, The Hundred, and the Big Bash League (BBL). Ashwin hasn’t formally said that he will play in those tournaments yet, but the Hong Kong Sixes organizers said on Thursday that he will be on Team India for the next one.
The organizers said in a news release that Ashwin’s involvement would be a big help to Team India’s campaign in the “fast-paced, action-packed global tournament” because of his “immense depth, experience, and star power.”
Ashwin remarked, “This format needs a different strategy and will be high octane, which I’m looking forward to playing with my old teammates.” I’m also excited to play against some good players on the other teams. It will be a terrific test for us.
The Hong Kong Sixes is a one-of-a-kind six-a-side cricket tournament that started in 1992. Each team can bowl a maximum of five six-ball overs, except for the last one, which has five eight-ball overs. The regulations say that every player on the fielding side, except the wicketkeeper, must bowl one over. When a batsman reaches 31 runs, they have to leave the field, but they can come back to the crease when all the other batters have either been out or retired.
Sri Lanka won the last tournament in 2024, which included 12 teams. Pakistan is the most successful team in the history of the competition. They have won the title five times and come in second five times. Fans can’t wait to witness Ashwin play in this fast-paced format for the first time. They want to see one of the best spinners in the game in a fresh and exciting atmosphere.