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Cricket: New iSixes World Series tournament in Singapore in July
SINGAPORE: Cricket fans are in for a major treat.
The iSixes World Series kicks off in Singapore in July and will see top names aiming for the US$1 million prize money.
Observers say cricket is winning even more fans, thanks to the game’s shorter forms.
This proved successful in the recent Indian Premier League, where the Twenty20 format was used.
And the Sixes, which is the game’s shortest form, promises more action.
Top players like Shane Warne brought the game to new heights at the inaugural 6s tournament in Hong Kong last year.
And on July 4, the big names will be in Singapore for the inaugural event.
The cricket celebrities will form the All Star team, and they will be joined by 11 other teams, including those from test—playing nations like India and New Zealand.
Even host Singapore will field a team.
The teams’ kits were displayed by models at the media conference.
Organisers promise that entertaining cricket will be the hallmark of the upcoming event, which involves only six players a team, 5 overs.
Each game lasts about 45 minutes.
Craig McMillan, Cricket Player of New Zealand, said: "You can be more creative and I think that’s what makes it a bit more fun. You can do things that you don’t normally try, so as a player I love doing it, love trying new shots different things. And six a side will definitely allow you to do that."
Romesh Kaluwitharana, Cricket Player of Sri Lanka, said: "I have very good memories in Padang because we won the tournament in 96, just after the World Cup, so the facility is really fantastic in Padang."
About 5,000 to 6,000 people are expected to pack the Padang during the tournament.
After Singapore, the event could be travelling to Shanghai and Dubai and a third venue which has yet to be selected.
Jason Warne, Director of Zero Friction Cricket, said: "When you look at developing countries, you look at all the different formats and what 6s provide is a really entertaining format ... and the ability to play a tournament every weekend."
The Padang will be the battleground for the teams come July. But it will also be a carnival—like atmosphere, with a cricket village, music and parties.
The organisers claim that this is the first time that a big cricket event is being played at night under floodlights. — CNA/de
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