Biggest Chiang Mai Sixes Ever

AS THE APRIL HEAT builds up towards Songkran, what better time to be running around in the sunshine, playing cricket? Well that is certainly the choice of participants in the Chiang Mai International Cricket Sixes. We advise you rather to sit in the shade and watch this fun with a refreshing cold drink in your hand!

April 2nd sees the start of the 14th annual Sixes tournament, held as always in the beautiful and shady setting of Chieng Mai Gymkhana Club. Every year we have come to expect something new from Chiang Mai's only regular international sports event, and this time is no exception. Over 300 visitors are expected to descend on the Gymkhana Club ground this year for the biggest Sixes held to date. A total of 27 teams are confirmed as taking part from countries as near or distant as Australia, Bahrain, England , Malaysia , New Zealand, South Africa, Thailand , the U.A.E., and even Wales. There's a change in the schedule this year with the cricket matches starting on a Monday (the 2nd) and the tournament finishing on a Saturday, April 7th, (regular supporters of the Sixes please note).

Every year the Sixes invites a few 'star' international cricketers to mix in and play with the teams. This year, as we went to press, confirmation of attendance had been received from Mike Gatting , former captain of England and Middlesex, Tom Hogan , ex-Australian test spin bowler, Kenny Jackson , who is still active in South African First Class cricket with Boland ,and Ramesh Ratanayake, one time Sri Lankan test star.

This year's event at the Gymkhana Club also includes the 2nd Chiang Mai Sixes Junior Cricket Cup. It's expected children from up to 10 local schools will be competing in this junior rules version of the sport.. It is a long term aim of the Sixes organisation to promote the playing of cricket among Thai schoolchildren, and this has also caught the attention and support of UNICEF. So, this year's Finals trophy awards, both for the Sixes itself and the Junior Cup, will have an extra attraction - UNICEF Youth Ambassador and Thai movie star Kathaleeya McIntosh is expected to be on hand to make the awards on Saturday, April 7th

Everyday at the Sixes, there is a packed schedule of short six-a-side cricket matches, starting at 8:30 in the morning and finishing 14 matches later at around 5:30 in the evening. There's always plenty of refreshment and nourishment on sale at the cricket ground, with catering by Northern Farms, coffee on sale from Bon Cafe, and the Sixes Bar has a full range of soft and alcoholic drinks. You can also get a tournament programme and souvenirs at the ground. It's a pleasant way to spend the day, and admission to the ground, as always, is free of charge.

See related web site:

• Chiangmai Cricket Sixes