Tomorrow (Apr 8) that idea celebrates its 20th anniversary in spectacular style, as the ICC Award-winning Phuket International Cricket Sixes returns to the paradise island for its milestone 20th “fun in the sun” edition.
Running from Wednesday (Apr 8) until Saturday (Apr 11) at the iconic Alan Cooke Ground (ACG) in Phuket, the tournament - organised by the Asian Cricket Sixes Tour (ACST) under the stewardship of its long-serving chairman Michael “Cat” Maher - will host 16 teams drawn from across the cricket world, spanning five continents and representing some of the most colourful club cricket communities anywhere on the planet.
The Phuket International Cricket Sixes were first held in 2004, the brainchild of the ACST, an organisation that has been organising superb club cricket events at fantastic locations across Asia Pacific since it was founded in 2000.
What began as a modest gathering of teams seeking sun, sixes and camaraderie has grown into one of the most celebrated invitational cricket festivals in the Asian region - a tournament whose reputation stretches well beyond its tropical setting.
Michael “Cat” Maher, Chairman of the ACST said, “we’re so excited to be staging the 20th edition of the Phuket Sixes. Back in the early days we never dreamt we’d still be enjoying fun in the sun two decades later. But here we are thanks to the efforts and support of so many people, and its fabulous to welcome cricket teams from around the world back to Phuket.”
Under Michael’s leadership, ACST events have earned multiple ICC awards and built a loyal global community of cricketers who return year after year not just for the cricket, but for the friendships that endure long after the stumps are drawn.
The event has weathered storms over the years. The Sixes was the first international sports event to be staged in Phuket following the terrible effects on the local community of the Boxing Day tsunami. And of course, the pandemic forced postponements, before a triumphant return in 2023.
This year’s team entry list shows the tournament’s enduring global appeal. Teams will take to the ACG’s outfield hailing from Hong Kong, Bangladesh, India, Australia, Chiang Mai, Montenegro, Dubai, Pakistan, Singapore, UK and Thailand.
Amazingly two of cricket clubs competing this year also took part in the inaugural Phuket Cricket Sixes back in 2004: Lamma CC from Hong Kong and Blythswood CC from UK!
Six-a-side cricket is a format purpose-built for drama and excitement. With just five overs per innings, every delivery matters, every boundary and wicket swings momentum, and matches can be won and lost in moments.
Twenty years on, the Phuket International Cricket Sixes remains what it has always been: proof that cricket, sunshine and good company are a combination that needs no improvement.
Play begins each day at the ACG at around 9am, with food and refreshments available all day long. Spectators are welcome to come along and catch the action and admission is free.
Live coverage of the tournament is available on CricHeroes.com.
The full lineup for the 20th Anniversary Tournament reads as follows:
1. Lamma CC Dings – Hong Kong
2. Lamma CC Dongs – Hong Kong
3. Heritage Cricketers – Bangladesh
4. Calcutta Knights – India
5. CBB SC – Australia
6. CBB SK – Chiang Mai, Thailand
7. Kyalami Cavaliers – Perth, Australia
8. SIXR Cricket – Dhaka, Bangladesh
9. Mumbai Strikers – India
10. White Rabbit Cricket Club – Phuket, Thailand
11. Blythswood CC – London, England
12. Montenegro Bokaneers – Montenegro
13. Dubai Wreckers – Dubai, UAE
14. Kolkata Wreckers – India
15. Corner Tigers – Pakistan
16. Dabbangs – Singapore