Hong Kong Sixes 2026: Full schedule, all squads and where to watch live

The Hong Kong Sixes 2026 is set to bring three days of explosive batting, attacking bowling and high-intensity international cricket to Hong Kong from October 30 to November 1. India, Pakistan, Australia, England, South Africa and eight other teams will compete in the unique six-a-side tournament, with the defending champions Pakistan looking to add another title to their impressive record.

India will enter the competition with a squad led by Krunal Pandya, featuring IPL performers Shashank Singh, Rahul Tewatia, Nitish Rana, Rahul Tripathi, T. Natarajan and Kulwant Khejroliya. Their campaign will begin against Pakistan on October 30 before they face the United Arab Emirates in their second group-stage fixture on October 31.

The 2026 edition will feature 12 teams competing across four groups, with the tournament following a fast-paced format in which every over can change the outcome. The top team from each group will qualify for the Cup semi-finals, while the second- and third-placed sides will compete in the Plate and Bowl competitions, respectively.

The tournament will take place at Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground in Kowloon, Hong Kong. Fans in India can follow the action through Sony Sports Network on television and FanCode for live streaming, according to the tournament’s announced broadcast arrangements.

Here is everything you need to know about the Hong Kong Sixes 2026 schedule, all participating squads, India’s fixtures, the tournament format and live streaming details.

Hong Kong Sixes 2026: Tournament details

• Tournament: Hong Kong Sixes 2026
• Dates: October 30 to November 1, 2026
• Venue: Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground, Kowloon, Hong Kong
• Participating teams: 12
• Format: Six-a-side cricket
• Group stage: October 30 and 31
• Semi-finals: October 31
• Finals and placement matches: November 1
• India captain: Krunal Pandya
• Defending champions: Pakistan
• India television coverage: Sony Sports Network
• India live streaming: FanCode

The Hong Kong Sixes has built its reputation around a compact format that rewards fearless stroke play, quick decision-making and versatile players. Unlike conventional international cricket, teams have little time to recover from a poor over, making every batting partnership and bowling spell particularly important.

The tournament also provides an opportunity for established international players and domestic stars to test themselves in a format where adaptability can be just as valuable as experience.

Hong Kong Sixes 2026 full schedule in Indian Standard Time

The group-stage fixtures will begin on Friday, October 30, with nine matches scheduled for the opening day. India will face Pakistan in one of the day’s most anticipated encounters, while Australia, England, Hong Kong, Bangladesh, Scotland, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Afghanistan, Oman and the UAE will also be in action during the group stage.

All times below are in Indian Standard Time (IST). The schedule is converted from the tournament’s local Hong Kong timings.

Friday, October 30 — Group-stage matches

India’s clash against Pakistan will be a major attraction on the opening day. Both sides will need to make an immediate impression in Group C, which also includes the UAE. With only a small number of group matches available, a single defeat could have a significant impact on the standings.

Australia will open the tournament against the hosts, Hong Kong, China, before facing England later in the day. Group B will see Bangladesh take on Scotland and Sri Lanka, while South Africa will meet Oman and Afghanistan in Group D.

Saturday, October 31 — Final group matches and semi-finals

The second day will begin with the remaining group-stage fixtures before the Bowl, Plate and Cup semi-finals determine which teams will compete for the various finishing positions.

India’s second group match against the UAE is scheduled for 8:05 AM IST on Saturday. The result will help determine whether India progresses to the Cup semi-finals or competes in the Plate or Bowl bracket.

The two Cup semi-finals will bring together the four group winners. The Plate semi-finals will feature the four runners-up, while the third-placed teams will compete in the Bowl semi-finals.

This structure ensures that the tournament remains competitive even for teams that do not finish at the top of their groups.

Sunday, November 1 — Play-offs and finals

Sunday will feature the placement matches and the three competition finals. The Cup final will decide the overall Hong Kong Sixes 2026 champion.

The Cup final is scheduled for 12:40 PM IST on November 1. The finalists will be determined by the results of Saturday’s semi-finals.

The placement matches will also give teams an opportunity to finish the competition on a positive note, while the women’s exhibition match between Hong Kong and China will add another attraction to the final day.

Note: The published schedule can be revised by the organisers. Check the latest fixture list before matchday for any changes.

Hong Kong Sixes 2026 groups and qualification rules

The 12 participating teams have been divided into four groups, with three teams in each group.

Each team will play the other two sides in its group. The final standings will determine the next stage of the competition.

The group winners will qualify for the Cup semi-finals and remain in contention for the main championship. The teams finishing second will advance to the Plate semi-finals, which determine the fifth- and sixth-place finishers and the seventh- and eighth-place play-off. The third-placed teams will enter the Bowl competition, which decides the ninth- through 12th-place positions.

This arrangement gives every team a further opportunity to compete after the initial group stage. It also means that a strong start is important, but teams must maintain their performance through the knockout matches to finish the tournament with silverware.

For India, Group C is particularly interesting because Pakistan and the UAE offer contrasting challenges. India’s match against Pakistan comes first, followed by the UAE fixture on the second morning.

India squad for Hong Kong Sixes 2026

India will be led by all-rounder Krunal Pandya, with the squad combining IPL experience, aggressive batting options and specialist bowling resources.

The seven-member Indian squad is:

• Krunal Pandya (Captain) — Royal Challengers Bengaluru
• Shashank Singh — Punjab Kings
• Rahul Tewatia — Gujarat Titans
• Nitish Rana — Delhi Capitals
• Rahul Tripathi — Kolkata Knight Riders
• T. Natarajan — Sunrisers Hyderabad
• Kulwant Khejroliya — Gujarat Titans

Krunal’s appointment as captain gives India an experienced all-rounder who can contribute in several areas. In a format where each player may be required to make an impact with both bat and ball, that flexibility could prove valuable.

Shashank Singh and Rahul Tewatia bring finishing ability and experience in high-pressure T20 situations. Nitish Rana and Rahul Tripathi offer attacking batting options, while T. Natarajan and Kulwant Khejroliya provide left-arm pace.

India’s challenge will be to translate their experience in the Indian Premier League into the demands of six-a-side cricket. The short format places a premium on immediate impact, and even a well-established T20 player must adjust quickly to the different scoring patterns and bowling restrictions.

India’s schedule at Hong Kong Sixes 2026

India’s opening match against Pakistan will be an early test of the team’s ability to handle pressure. Their second fixture against the UAE will then determine the final Group C standings.

India will be aiming to make a strong run in the competition after entering the tournament with a squad built around established IPL performers. However, the short format leaves little margin for error, and the team will need contributions from across the playing group.

Pakistan squad for Hong Kong Sixes 2026

Pakistan arrive as the defending champions and will look to continue their strong history in the tournament. Their title defence will begin with a Group C match against the UAE before the high-profile contest against India.

The Pakistan squad comprises:

• Muhammad Abbas Afridi
• Ahmad Daniyal Latif
• Khawaja Muhammad Nafay
• Syed Muhammad Abdul Samad
• Muhammad Irfan Khan
• Chaudhry Saad Masood
• Muhammad Shahzad

Pakistan’s opening fixture against the UAE is scheduled for 8:05 AM IST on October 30. They will then face India at 11:45 AM IST on the same day.

With two demanding group matches and only a short turnaround between them, Pakistan will need to manage their bowling options and batting resources carefully. Their experience in the competition could be an advantage, but the team will still have to adapt to the demands of the six-a-side format.

The India-Pakistan encounter is likely to attract considerable attention from fans, given the rivalry between the sides and the tournament’s fast-scoring nature.

Australia squad for Hong Kong Sixes 2026

Australia will be led by Chris Green and begin their campaign against the hosts before meeting England in the second of their two opening-day fixtures.

The Australian squad features:

• Chris Green (Captain)
• Jack Wood
• Max Bryant
• Nick Hobson
• Kane Richardson
• Alex Ross
• Matt Kelly

Australia have a blend of batting power, all-round ability and bowling experience. The squad will need to strike the right balance between aggressive scoring and disciplined bowling, particularly against teams that can take advantage of loose deliveries.

Their opening match against Hong Kong, China is scheduled for 6:15 AM IST on October 30. Australia will then take on England at 1:35 PM IST.

Both fixtures will be important in Group A, where England and the hosts will also be competing for a place in the Cup semi-finals.

England squad for Hong Kong Sixes 2026

England will be captained by John Simpson and feature a squad that combines experienced performers with players suited to the fast pace of the tournament.

The seven-member squad is:

• John Simpson (Captain)
• Edward Barnard
• Fynn Hudson-Prentice
• Jack Carson
• Martin Andersson
• Daniel Mousley
• Nathan Gilchrist

England have a challenging Group A campaign ahead, with matches against Hong Kong, China and Australia scheduled for October 30.

Their first match is set for 9:55 AM IST, followed by the fixture against Australia at 1:35 PM IST.

Daniel Mousley and Edward Barnard add options across disciplines, while Simpson’s leadership will be important in a competition where captains have little time to react to changes in momentum. England will need to start quickly and make the most of their limited group-stage opportunities.

Hong Kong, China squad for Hong Kong Sixes 2026

The hosts will be eager to make the most of home conditions and the support of the local crowd. Hong Kong, China will open the tournament against Australia before taking on England later on the first day.

The squad is:

• Yasim Murtaza (Captain)
• Nasrulla Rana
• Babar Hayat
• Anshuman Rath
• Ehsan Khan
• Mohammad Aizaz Khan
• Mohammad Nizakat Khan

Hong Kong’s two group matches will provide an immediate test against established cricketing nations. Their familiarity with local conditions may help, but Australia and England will both pose difficult challenges.

The hosts will also have an opportunity to build on their recent progress in the competition and use the home tournament to push for a place in the Cup bracket.

Bangladesh squad for Hong Kong Sixes 2026

Bangladesh will be led by Abu Hider Rony and begin their campaign against Scotland before facing Sri Lanka on the opening day.

The squad includes:

• Abu Hider Rony (Captain)
• Samiun Basir Ratul
• Chowdhury Md Rizwan
• Mrittunjoy Chowdhury
• Ahrar Amin
• Sabbir Rahman Roman
• Habibur Rahman Sohan

Bangladesh’s two group-stage fixtures are scheduled for 7:10 AM and 10:50 AM IST on October 30. The short gap between matches means the team will need to recover quickly and make smart use of its available bowling options.

Their results against Scotland and Sri Lanka will determine whether they can reach the Cup semi-finals or move into the Plate or Bowl competitions.

Scotland squad for Hong Kong Sixes 2026

Scotland will compete in Group B alongside Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. The team will look to use its combination of batting, bowling and all-round skills to challenge for a place in the knockout stages.

The squad is:

• Jasper Davidson
• Jack Jarvis
• Mackenzie Jones
• Michael Leask
• Finlay McCreath
• Lyle Robertson
• Safyaan Sharif

Scotland will play Bangladesh at 7:10 AM IST on October 30 before facing Sri Lanka at 7:10 AM IST on October 31.

Michael Leask and Safyaan Sharif bring valuable experience, while the rest of the squad will be expected to contribute in a format that rewards adaptability. Scotland’s ability to handle the pressure of consecutive group matches will be important to their chances of progression.

Sri Lanka squad for Hong Kong Sixes 2026

Sri Lanka will be captained by Sangeeth Cooray and face Bangladesh and Scotland in Group B. The side will be looking to combine its batting options with disciplined bowling to secure a place in the next stage.

The squad comprises:

• Sangeeth Cooray (Captain)
• Movin Subasinghe
• Vishen Halambage
• Chamindu Wijesinghe
• Sachitha Jayatilake
• Ravindu Fernando
• Muditha Lakshan

Sri Lanka will meet Bangladesh at 10:50 AM IST on October 30 before facing Scotland at 7:10 AM IST the following morning.

Their campaign will depend on how quickly the batters can settle into the six-over innings and how effectively the bowlers limit opposition scoring. In a format with such a short duration, strong fielding and sharp decision-making can be just as important as big hitting.

South Africa squad for Hong Kong Sixes 2026

South Africa will be led by Jorich van Schalkwyk in Group D, where they will face Oman and Afghanistan.

The seven-member squad is:

• Jorich van Schalkwyk (Captain)
• Steve Stolk
• Abdullah Bayoumy
• Ayabulela Gqamane
• Alindile Mhletywa
• Blake Simpson
• Heath Richards

South Africa’s first match is against Oman at 9:00 AM IST on October 30, followed by their fixture against Afghanistan at 12:40 PM IST.

The team’s campaign will depend on its ability to score quickly without losing too many wickets and to keep opposition batters under pressure. Group D features three sides with different strengths, making consistency especially important.

Afghanistan squad for Hong Kong Sixes 2026

Afghanistan will be captained by Gulbadin Naib and face South Africa and Oman in Group D. Their squad combines all-round options and players who will be expected to contribute in the short format.

The squad is:

• Gulbadin Naib (Captain)
• Farmanullah Safi
• Imran Mir
• Abdul Rahman
• Karim Janat
• Nangeyalia Kharote
• Sediqullah Pacha

Afghanistan will play South Africa at 12:40 PM IST on October 30 before facing Oman at 6:15 AM IST on October 31.

The team will need to adjust quickly to the format, particularly when setting targets and defending totals. With only six overs per innings, bowling variations and the ability to execute plans under pressure can make a decisive difference.

Oman squad for Hong Kong Sixes 2026

Oman will be led by Syed Aamir Kaleem and will compete in Group D alongside South Africa and Afghanistan.

The squad comprises:

• Syed Aamir Kaleem (Captain)
• Shafiq Jan
• Usman Ali
• Zohaib Amanat
• Sami Hassan
• Akbar Ali
• Muhammad Muzahir

Oman will open their campaign against South Africa at 9:00 AM IST on October 30 and meet Afghanistan at 6:15 AM IST on October 31.

The side will be aiming to make the most of its batting opportunities and avoid giving away easy runs. The ability to contribute with both bat and ball will be particularly important in a tournament where every player must be ready to take responsibility.

United Arab Emirates squad for Hong Kong Sixes 2026

The UAE will compete in Group C alongside India and Pakistan. Their campaign will begin against Pakistan before they meet India on the second day.

The squad features:

• Ansh Tandon
• Khalid Shah
• Maroof Merchant
• Muhammad Faraazuddin
• Muhammad Farooq
• Muhammad Zuhaib
• Zahid Ali

The UAE will face Pakistan at 8:05 AM IST on October 30 and India at 8:05 AM IST on October 31.

Both matches will be crucial to their prospects in a competitive group. The UAE will need to combine aggressive batting with disciplined bowling to challenge two teams with strong cricketing traditions.

What makes the Hong Kong Sixes format different?

The Hong Kong Sixes is designed to deliver rapid, high-scoring cricket. Each side fields six players, and each innings lasts six overs. This compressed structure makes the competition very different from a standard T20 match.

Batters are encouraged to attack from the start because there is little time to build an innings slowly. A strong over can transform a team’s position, while a sequence of dot balls or wickets can put a side under immediate pressure.

Bowling is equally demanding. Teams must find ways to prevent boundaries without allowing the opposition to exploit predictable deliveries. Variations in pace, length and angle can be especially valuable, and fielding mistakes are often costly.

The six-player structure also means that versatility matters. Teams benefit from players who can contribute in more than one discipline, whether through aggressive batting, useful overs, athletic fielding or smart tactical decisions.

For spectators, the format offers a concentrated burst of cricket, with matches scheduled in close succession. The tournament’s group and knockout structure also gives teams several routes to finish strongly, even if they do not win their opening fixtures.

Where to watch Hong Kong Sixes 2026 live

Fans in India will be able to follow the Hong Kong Sixes 2026 through Sony Sports Network on television and FanCode for live streaming, according to the announced arrangements.

India: Sony Sports Network will provide television coverage, while FanCode will carry the live stream. Viewers should check the latest platform listings for the precise channel, streaming availability and any subscription requirements.

Hong Kong and other regions: Fans should check the official tournament announcements and local sports broadcasters for confirmed coverage in their territory. Availability on a broadcaster’s television service may differ from the streaming rights offered by a digital platform.

The tournament’s official YouTube channel or other social media accounts may also publish highlights, clips and updates. However, fans should not assume that every match will be available free on YouTube unless a full live stream is specifically announced.

If you plan to watch India’s matches, note the scheduled start times: India vs Pakistan begins at 11:45 AM IST on October 30, while UAE vs India starts at 8:05 AM IST on October 31.

Why India vs Pakistan could be the match to watch

The India-Pakistan rivalry is one of cricket’s biggest attractions, and the Hong Kong Sixes format adds another dimension to the contest. With only six overs available to each side, the match could be decided by a single explosive over, a key wicket or an outstanding piece of fielding.

India’s squad includes several players accustomed to the pressure of franchise cricket. Krunal Pandya’s all-round ability, Shashank Singh’s finishing skills and Rahul Tewatia’s experience in tight situations could be valuable in a contest where there is little time to recover from a setback.

Pakistan, meanwhile, will arrive as defending champions and will be determined to begin their title defence with a strong performance. Their first match against the UAE will give them an opportunity to settle into the competition before the clash against India.

The match is also important in the context of Group C. With the UAE completing the three-team group, the results of the opening fixtures will shape the race for a Cup semi-final place.

Although the tournament’s format encourages aggressive cricket, disciplined execution will still be vital. Teams that can combine powerful hitting with accurate bowling and sharp fielding are likely to have the best chance of progressing.

What to expect on finals day

The final day will bring the tournament’s various competitions to a conclusion. The Bowl final will determine ninth and 10th place, the Plate final will decide fifth and sixth, and the Cup final will crown the Hong Kong Sixes 2026 champion.

The Cup semi-finals on Saturday will be particularly important because only two teams will remain in contention for the main title after those matches. The third- and fourth-place play-off will also give the losing semi-finalists a final opportunity to finish on the podium.

With matches scheduled throughout the morning and early afternoon in Hong Kong, fans can expect a packed day of cricket. The women’s exhibition match between Hong Kong and China will provide an additional fixture before the final stages of the men’s competitions.

For the teams, finals day will reward those that have managed their resources effectively throughout the event. Quick recovery, clear tactical plans and the ability to perform under pressure will be essential.

Hong Kong Sixes 2026: Key points for cricket fans

The 2026 tournament offers several storylines to follow: Pakistan’s title defence, India’s campaign under Krunal Pandya, the hosts’ attempt to make an impact at home and the challenge facing teams such as South Africa, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka and Australia.

The short format makes it difficult to predict results with confidence. A team that starts slowly can recover with one strong over, while a side that dominates early can lose control if it fails to finish well.

India’s two group fixtures will be among the most closely watched matches for Indian fans. The clash against Pakistan on October 30 is followed by the UAE game on October 31, with both results contributing to the final Group C standings.

With 12 teams, 25 scheduled matches and three competitions running through to the final day, the Hong Kong Sixes promises a busy weekend for cricket supporters.

Stay tuned to ROKOCRICKET for the latest Hong Kong Sixes 2026 news, squad updates, match previews, live-score coverage and tournament results. Subscribe to our updates and keep following the action as the race for the title unfolds in Hong Kong.