Hoggard keen for Sixes comeback

Matthew Hoggard enjoyed his taste of Hong Kong

After the greatest finish in Hong Kong Cricket Sixes history, planning for the 2009 tournament is already under way and England seamer Matthew Hoggard is keen to make a return to the country.

Hoggard was part of an All-Stars team which also featured Australia legend Justin Langer, West Indies ace Shivnarine Chanderpaul, South Africa all-rounder Tyron Henderson, former New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming and Sri Lanka duo Sanath Jayasuriya and Chaminda Vaas.

“I’ve enjoyed every moment of it – just an awesome weekend,” Hoggard said. “Hong Kong has a niche. It’s the only big six-a-side tournament in world cricket.

“It is an exciting event, a superb venue, the people have been great – it all adds up to a fantastic occasion.”

Langer has already marked in next year’s event in his diary.

“I’d love to come back next year, I’m just waiting for the invitation,” he said. “It’s a fantastic concept – there’s a lot of excitement, the crowd get into it and the players really enjoy it. It’s been a brilliant weekend. And the hospitality in Hong Kong has been amazing.”

The two-day tournament, held from November 8-9 at the Kowloon Cricket Club, provided non-stop entertainment for those in the ground and the millions of cricket fans around the world who watched it live on TV, thanks to a global distribution deal with Ten Sports.

The All-Stars also played their part in promoting cricket in Hong Kong by visiting a school for a cricket lesson with youngsters and travelling to Mission Road Cricket Ground and Hong Kong Cricket Club to conduct coaching clinics for promising young players, both boys and girls.

In the tournament itself, which was won by England, home team Hong Kong pulled off two stunning victories over the All-Stars and defending champions Sri Lanka and wound up fourth – their best ever finish in the Sixes.

Pakistan carried off the Plate after a thrilling final against the All-Stars that went down to the last delivery.

Approximately 3,800 spectators watched the action at the Kowloon Cricket Club on Sunday afternoon

England and Australia then staged the greatest cup final in the tournament’s 17-year history, with England winning on fewer wickets conceded after a last-ball run-out of Australia batsman Stephen O’Keefe left the scores tied.

Tournament director Mark Burns hailed the 2008 Sixes as a huge success in the wake of a financial recession that left the tournament without a title sponsor, causing the Hong Kong Cricket Association to underwrite the event.

“It's been a difficult sponsorship market to operate in this year considering the global financial situation,” he said.

“But the HKCA and the Government made the decision to invest in Hong Kong cricket's showpiece tournament and that decision was totally vindicated by the thrilling events at the weekend.”

Sixes organisers were buoyed by a strong turnout from Hong Kong’s cricket fans.

“With 10 per cent more public seating available this year, ground capacity was just over 4,000 and we estimate that on Sunday afternoon we had about 3,800 people watching,” said Burns.

The Sixes was shown live on NOW TV in Hong Kong and, for the first time, had Cantonese commentary.

“It was a fantastic tournament, perhaps the most memorable yet and capped by the greatest finish ever, and the feedback from everybody – players, fans, sponsors and officials – about this year's Sixes is extremely positive,” added Burns.

“Obviously, securing a title sponsor for next year and beyond is the priority and we do have some interested parties we are speaking with.

“Given the support of strong corporate and ticket sales, the incredible excitement and quality of play on the field during the 2008 tournament and the global audience of over 100 million for the event, we are very optimistic looking ahead to the 2009 Sixes.”