Chiang Mai Sixes 30 years on: a week of fun, friendship and entertainment

Last year saw a great celebration as the tournament was held for the 30th time and 2018 sees the completion of a full 30 years of a wonderful event that brings hundreds of people to visit the historic city of Chiang Mai each year.
The 2018 Chiang Mai Sixes runs from April 1-7 at the Chiang Mai Gymkhana Club and it has just been confirmed that 36 men’s teams will take part at the Sixes this year, along with four ladies teams, so there is a chance for cricketers of all abilities to win a trophy.
Many well-known international players have taken part in the Sixes over the last 30 years, including former England captain Mike Gatting, who summed up the unique atmosphere of the Chiang Mai event after playing in 2001 and 2002: “This tournament is all about making friends and I have enjoyed myself immensely,” he said.
Teams from all over the world have taken part in the Sixes and the Bashundhara Cricketeers from Bangladesh have often been the team to beat over the past decade. The NCL Dynamites are travelling from Dhaka this year looking to win the Cup, along with a veteran team full of former Bangladesh Test players, who are looking to remind spectators of their great talent.
But the tournament is not solely about overseas visitors – a host of Chiang Mai local teams also take part, with young Thai cricketers particularly enjoying the experience of playing on such a big stage.

The Chiang Mai Sixes doesn’t just give them the chance to play cricket once a year, it supports the great work done by Chiang Mai Schools Cricket Alliance by providing coaching in local schools, it pays for under-privileged Thai children’s educational needs through the Hill Tribe Fund.
Over the years many of the regular teams have made generous donations of cricketing equipment for junior cricketers, bats, gloves and clothing, with Chris Love of Blythswood CC making a contribution on a recent visit to the Gymkhana Club in Chiang Mai.
Local children seem to enjoy playing cricket and the youngsters who play for the Lanna Thais team were delighted when they were able to take the field in brand new cricket shoes. 
Many of the kids come from deprived backgrounds and could never afford to buy their own so these will now be their most prized possessions.
The organisers appreciate the contribution of their generous sponsors and advertisers and invite you to visit the  Gymkhana Club to watch a wonderful event that combines entertaining sport, a great social scene and most importantly, helps young and often under-privileged Thai children gain enjoyment from playing cricket as well as looking after their needs off the field.
Full coverage of the Chiang Mai Sixes can be found on www.chiangmaisixes.cricket.