Hong Kong Sixes 2026 rules: Number of players, teams, overs and other key details

One of the fastest-paced and most exciting events in the world is the Hong Kong Sixes, which is back with its 2026 season. The six-over-per-team competition features sides all around the globe, including England, Pakistan, South Africa, India, Bangladesh, and Australia. It will run from October 30 to November 01. 

India, having not done well in the previous edition of the competition, has sent a strong squad, which consists of several players from the Indian Premier League (IPL). The event is organized by Cricket Hong Kong and sanctioned by the ICC.

Hong Kong Sixes 2026 rules and format: Players, overs, wickets and how the tournament works

The event ran from 1992 to 2017. After a break, it restarted in 2024, the first in seven years. Only six players are allowed to be in the field during a clash, with the batters are allowed to go after the bowling and every player is required to contribute across disciplines. The rules are-

# The matches consist of two teams, with each team comprising six players.

# Each game lasts a maximum of six overs per side.

# Every fielding player, apart from the wicket-keeper, should bowl one over.

See Also: Hong Kong Sixes 2026: Complete fixtures, timings & more

# If five wickets fall, the last remaining batter can continue, with the fifth batter acting as the runner.

# The not-out batter should remain on strike, and the innings ends when they are dismissed.

# The batters must retire after reaching 50 but can return after all the other batters have been dismissed or retired.

# Each match will need to be finished in just 45 minutes.

Hong Kong Sixes 2026 winners and squads: Teams and players to watch

The 12 teams are divided into the following four groups-

• Pool A: Australia, England, Hong Kong, China
• Pool B: Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Scotland
• Pool C: India, Pakistan, UAE
• Pool D: South Africa, Afghanistan, Oman

Historically, Pakistan, England, and South Africa are the most successful teams. India won the title in 2005, while Sri Lanka, Australia, and the West Indies have won the title.

All the squads of the Hong Kong Sixes 2026 are-

India: Krunal Pandya (c), Nitish Rana, Shashank Singh, T. Natarajan, Rahul Tripathi, Rahul Tewatia, and Kulwant Khejroliya.

Australia: Chris Green (c), Jack Wood, Max Bryant, Nick Hobson, Alex Ross, Matt Kelly, Kane Richardson

England: John Simpson, Edward Barnard, Fynn Hudson-Prentice, Jack Carson, Martin Andersson, Daniel Mousley, Nathan Gilchrist

Hong Kong China: Yasim Murtaza (c), Babar Hayat, Anshuman Rath, Ehsan Khan, Mohammad Aizaz, Mohammad Nizakat Khan, Nasrulla Rana

Bangladesh: Abu Haider (c), Samiun Basir, Chowdhary MD Rizwan, Mrittunjoy Chowdhury, Ahrar Amin, Sabbir Rahman, Habibur Rahman, Sohan 

Scotland: Finlay McCreath, Jasper Davidson, Jack Jarvis, Machenzie Jones, Michael Leask, Lyle Robertson, Safyaan Sharif

See Also: Pakistan squad for Hong Kong Sixes 2026: Afridi captain

Sri Lanka: Sangeth Cooray (c), Sachitha Jayatilake, Movin Subasinghe, Ravindu Fernando, Vishen Halambage, Muditha Lakshan, Chamindu Wijesinghe 

Pakistan: Mohammad Abbas Afridi (c), Abdul Samad, Ahmed Daniyal, Muhammad Irfan, Khawaja Nafay (WK), Muhammad Shahzad, Saad Masood

UAE: Khalis Shah (c), Zahid Ali, Muhammad Farooq, Ansh Tandon, Maroof Merchant, Muhammad Faraazuddin, Muhammad Zuhaib

Afghanistan: Sediqullah Pacha, Imran Mir, Gulbadin Naib (c), Karim Janat, Nangeyalia Kharoti, Farmanullah Safi, Abdul Rahman

Oman: Syed Aamir (c), Shariq Jan, Sami Hassan, Usman Ali, Akbar Ali, Zohain Amanat, Muhammad Muzahir

South Africa: Jorich Van Schalkwyk (C), Steve Stolk, Abdullah Bayoumy, Ayabulela Gqamane, Alindile Mhletywa, Heath Richards, Blake Simpson