Hong Kong Sixes cancelled as Cricket Hong Kong cite lack of sponsorship and rise of T20 and 50-over formats
- After 19 editions, CHK chairman Tony Melloy says it is unlikely to be revived ‘but never say never’
- The future of the city’s T20 Blitz is also up in the air with organisers set to hold discussions with franchise owners
The Hong Kong Sixes have been cancelled, most likely forever, as organisers Cricket Hong Kong look to move with the times and stage tournaments that have greater recognition on the world stage.
Tony Melloy, the CHK chairman, said the 2019 tournament has been shelved, probably for good.
The 2017 event, won by South Africa, was the 19th and likely last-ever Hong Kong Sixes. Melloy said government funding, lack of sponsorship and the preference of countries to play other formats meant the Sixes is unlikely to be revived.
When asked if this year’s cancellation meant the end of the Hong Kong Sixes, Melloy said: “I personally think so but you can never say never.
“The format was very successful in the ’90s and noughties. But given the really complex and congested cricket calendar, we need to stick to recognised formats.”
