INDIA FACE-OFF WITH WINDIES AT CATHAY PACIFIC/STANDARD CHARTERED HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL CRICKET SIXES

HKCA Chairman Clive Howard and MCC President Robin Marlar make the draw for the 2006 Cathay Pacific / Standard Chartered Hong Kong International Cricket Sixes © CCIL

Hong Kong, October 9, 2006: India and West Indies will renew rivalries in the opening phase of the 2006 Cathay Pacific/Standard Chartered Hong Kong International Cricket Sixes.

In a repeat of last year’s Cup final, defending champions India will face the West Indies in Pool 1 in the world’s richest and most prestigious Sixes tournament at the Kowloon Cricket Club (KCC) on November 11-12.

While Indian captain Robin Singh will be aiming to inspire his troops to a repeat of their memorable four-wicket success in 2005, the West Indians will be intent on avenging that loss.

Pool 1 will be completed by Australia, who are still waiting to win the coveted Butani Cup and the cheque for US$100,000 that goes to the champions.

Four-time winners England, who have already announced a formidable squad, will be confident of progressing from Pool 2 where they have been drawn against South Africa and New Zealand, making a welcome return to the Sixes after a three-year absence.

In Pool 3, hosts Hong Kong have the unenviable task of facing Sri Lanka and Pakistan who, like England, have won the title on four occasions.

The draw was conducted at the Standard Chartered Bank headquarters in Central today by outgoing Marleybone Cricket Club (MCC) President Robin Marlar, who predicted some explosive action in the 12th edition of the Sixes.

His views were endorsed by Clive Howard, Chairman of the Hong Kong Cricket Association (HKCA).

He said: “It’s a fascinating draw and the fact that India and the West Indies will play each other on the opening day in a repeat of last year’s final will add extra spice.”

James Barrington, Director Sales and Marketing, Cathay Pacific Airways, said: “Cathay Pacific Airways is delighted to be joining together with Standard Chartered once again to sponsor the 2006 Hong Kong International Cricket Sixes.

“As the airline of Hong Kong, Cathay Pacific is committed to building Hong Kong into a regional centre for top events. We will continue to bring world-class sporting and cultural attractions to the city that’s been our home for 60 years.”

Andrew Bester, Co-Head Wholesale Banking, Greater China and Japan, for Standard Chartered said: “With the quality of the competing teams and players we expect this to be the best Hong Kong Sixes ever.”

Carrying total prize-money of US$280,000, the increase to nine teams from eight last year means the format will consist of three stages. The first and second stages will be a round-robin format in three pools of three teams with the final stage being on a knockout basis.

Said Howard: “The Cathay Pacific/Standard Chartered Hong Kong International Cricket Sixes continues to be a unique undertaking with no other event bringing so many top cricketing nations together at one venue.

“We are indebted to the continuing support of our title sponsors, Cathay Pacific Airways and Standard Chartered Bank.”

England, tournament winners in 1993, 1994, 2003 and 2004, will be led by Dominic Cork with Darren Gough, Darren Maddy and Kabir Ali also included in the line-up. The other squads will be confirmed in the coming weeks.

Tickets for next month’s Cathay Pacific/Standard Chartered Hong Kong International Cricket Sixes went on sale today. Two-day ticket prices have been set at HK$300 for adults and HK$150 for children aged 14 and under. Special tickets are priced at HK$550 and include reserved seating, a lunch box for both days of the event and an Official Programme.

Games are played in five-over innings, with each team member, other than the wicket-keeper, bowling one over.

POOL 1: India, Australia, West Indies.

POOL 2: England, New Zealand, South Africa.

POOL 3: Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Hong Kong.

The 2006 Cathay Pacific/Standard Chartered Hong Kong International Cricket Sixes will take place at Kowloon Cricket Club, 10 Cox’s Road, Kowloon, on November 11-12. Special tickets are priced at HK$550 and include reserved seating, a lunch box for both days of the event and an Official Programme. Two-day passes cost HK$300 for adults and HK$150 for children aged 14 and under, and are on sale from Monday, October 9 at the following outlets: Hong Kong Cricket Association (Tel: 2504-8102); Kowloon Cricket Club (10 Cox’s Road, Jordan, 2367-4141); Hong Kong Cricket Club (137 Wong Nai Chung Gap Road, Happy Valley, 2574-6266); Dot Cod Seafood Restaurant & Oyster Bar (Prince’s Building, Central 2810-6988); The Viceroy (Wanchai 2827-7777); Gaylord Restaurant (Tsim Sha Tsui 2376-1001) and Bayside Brasserie (Stanley 2899-0818) . For further inquiries please visit www.hksixes.com or call 2504-8103.

Provided by the Hong Kong Cricket Association. For further information, please contact Charles Lau or Novan Tang at (852) 2504-8101.