Anyone for cricketω
A fast forward version of cricket showcases at the annual Phuket Sixes, 15 to 19 April.
Cricket is not exactly a sport that we would associate with Phuket, but a mini-version, fast and furious, is now a fixture on the resort island’s annual calendar.
 |  |
Phuket Cricket Sixes 2009 will see approximately 26 cricket teams compete for honours on the grass at Karon beach’s stadium, 15 to 19 April.
Three days of cricket will eliminate club teams for a final battle at the stumps to claim a charity trophy.
Launched in 2004, the tournament attracts club teams from Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, India, China, Indonesia, Thailand, Korea, Borneo, Bahrain, Australia and the UK.
Calcutta Cricket & Football Club, from India won the trophy last year.
According to the event’s website (www.phuketsixes.com) “sixes cricket is an hybrid version of the game resulting in a fast and furious pace with just five overs (30 balls) per innings and six players per team. Matches take just 45 minutes to complete.”
The annual event has gained endorsement from the Asia Cricket Council and local sponsorship from Phuket’s business community, including the Hilton Arcadia and the Green Man Pub, venues for two of the official parties during the four-day event.
On the side, there are charity events, such as a beach cricket tournament, to raise funds for Child Watch, an organisation that assists children from broken homes or with abusive parents.
 |  |
Tourism Authority of Thailand backs the event, believing it will draw cricketers and their families to Phuket for a holiday, while emphasising the island’s role as sports tourism venue.
Phuket already hosts a popular international marathon and triathlon that attracts more than 2,000 participants.
