Dinesh Karthik signs up for Hong Kong Sixes; to lead Team India

Dinesh Karthik has been signed up for the Hong Kong Sixes. After recently agreeing to play for Sharjah Warriorz in ILT20, Karthik (40) will join his one-time India and Tamil Nadu teammate R Aswhin, who had earlier confirmed participation in the six-a-side tournament. Cricket Hong Kong, China, the organisers, said Karthik will lead the Indian team.

"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. The tournament will be held from November 7 to 9.

"We are thrilled to welcome Dinesh 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," Burji Shroff, chairperson of Cricket Hong Kong China, said.

A total of 12 teams, South Africa, Afghanistan, Nepal, Australia, England, UAE, India, Pakistan, Kuwait, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Hong Kong China will participate in the three-day event. The teams have been divided into four groups and India and Pakistan, expectedly, have been clubbed in the same group (Group C).

The top two teams in each group will enter the quarterfinals. The winners of the quarter-finals will play in the Cup semifinals while the losers will play in the Plate semifinals. The bottom team in each group will play in the Bowl competition. There will be 29 games in the competition over three days.

Each game will be of six overs, with six players in each team. Each bowler will bowl one over, except the wicket keeper and one bowler will bowl two overs. Sony Sports will telecast the tournament.