The Hong Kong Cricket Association today announced that Cathay Pacific and Standard Chartered Bank have formally agreed to co-sponsor the Hong Kong Cricket Sixes for the next three years. This year's event will be staged over the weekend of November 2-3 at the Kowloon Cricket Club.

The 2002 Cathay Pacific/Standard Chartered Hong Kong Cricket Sixes, which will match the record prize money total offered last year, will see eight leading cricket nations chasing prize money in excess of HK$2 million.

The Hong Kong Cricket Association, the tournament organisers, have issued invitations to overseas national cricket boards and the seven teams to join Hong Kong at the event will be announced shortly.

As with 2001, the eight teams will be drawn into two pools of four for the tournament. The top two sides in each pool will qualify for the Cup competition and the remaining teams will enter the Plate play-offs.

Said David Turnbull, Deputy Chairman and Chief Executive, Cathay Pacific Airways: "With the tremendous success of the Cathay Pacific/Standard Chartered Hong Kong Cricket Sixes in 2001, we are very excited to once again be a part of the tournament. With this announcement, the local cricket fans who turned out in force last November can look forward to welcoming the stars of international cricket to Hong Kong for the next three years."

Added Peter Wong, Director, Standard Chartered Bank: "Hong Kong is known throughout the region as one of the premier events cities in Asia. With the Cathay Pacific/Standard Chartered Hong Kong Cricket Sixes on the Hong Kong calendar for the next three years, we look forward to the event cementing its position as the leading Sixes tournament in the world."

Last year a star-studded Pakistan team battled their way to the Cathay Pacific/Standard Chartered Hong Kong Cricket Sixes title. Fielding players such as Wasim Akram, the 2001 Player of the Tournament, the Pakistanis went through the tournament undefeated. They outlasted South Africa, captained by Jonty Rhodes, in a thrilling final. In the Plate competition, India edged local favourites Hong Kong.

For further information please contact Danny Lai at the Hong Kong Cricket Association on (852) 2504-8101.

© ICC