Langer
joins list of star names at Sixes
Master batsman Justin Langer will be parading his world class skills at this year’s Hong Kong Cricket Sixes.
The Australian legend is the latest big name to sign up for the showpiece at the Kowloon Cricket Club from November 8-9.
Langer, 37, will join West Indies great Shivnarine Chanderpaul and former New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming in the All-Stars team that will headline the tournament.
“I'm delighted to be taking part in the Hong Kong Cricket Sixes and I'm looking forward to what promises to be an exciting and competitive weekend at the Kowloon Cricket Club,” said Langer.
“Having played many times against Shivnarine and Stephen during my years in test cricket, I know first-hand what great players they are and it will be a pleasure to team up with them in the All-Stars.
“We'll certainly be going all-out to win the tournament.”
Langer retired from test cricket last year after a brilliant 14-year career during which he was recognised as one of the world’s premier opening batsmen.
The left-hander played 105 tests, amassing 23 centuries at an average of 45.27, and was named Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 2001.
He continues to play for Somerset in the English County Championship and will also appear for the Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League next year.
“Justin is one of the true greats of the modern game and we are very pleased he has agreed to play in the Sixes,” said tournament director Mark Burns.
“With three top names confirmed, the All-Stars team is taking shape and we expect to sign up more household names in the coming weeks.”
Chanderpaul, 34, was recently named Wisden Cricketer of the Year and is currently the highest ranked batsman in the world.
The Guyana-born ace has played 112 tests, scoring 19 hundreds and 49 fifties.
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Fleming,
35, retired from international cricket earlier this year after
a stellar 14-year career in which he played 111 tests.
Burns also
revealed this year’s tournament would involve an eight-team format,
with the All-Stars joining six test-playing nations and hosts
Hong Kong in the line-up.
“We have featured 10 teams in the past, but the eight-team format is more competitive
and appeals more to players and fans alike,” said Burns.
“It means more matches – 22 as opposed to 21 last year – and more cricket for
each team, which is what the players want. It also gives spectators more chance
to see their favourite teams.
“In addition, the new format will also be easier to follow and will make each
match more meaningful.”
The tournament is being organised and promoted by the Hong Kong Cricket Association’s
commercial arm, China Cricket International Limited.
First held in 1992, the Hong Kong Cricket Sixes continues to be fully sanctioned
by the International Cricket Council and is the sport's longest-running, best-established
and most high-profile sixes tournament.
Players who have taken part over the past 16 years include Brian Lara, Sachin
Tendulkar, Steve and Mark Waugh, Viv Richards, Andrew Flintoff, Adam Gilchrist
and Wasim Akram.
The HKCA’s proceeds from the tournament will be ploughed directly back into cricket
development in Hong Kong.
About the Hong Kong Cricket Association
The Hong Kong Cricket Association (HKCA) is responsible for professionally administering
cricket at all levels in Hong Kong. It aims to promote, expand and develop the
sport, improve standards in all areas of the game and increase the number of
participants from all sectors of the local community. It organises competitions
throughout the year for all age groups, from primary school children to senior
players. The HKCA’s wholly owned subsidiary, China Cricket International Limited,
is responsible for the organisation and management of the Hong Kong Cricket Sixes
Released on behalf of the Hong Kong Cricket
Sixes by Two Up Front.
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