Scotland name Leask, Sharif in 7-member squad for Hong Kong Sixes 2024
Synopsis
Scotland have named a compact seven-member squad for the Hong Kong Sixes, banking on the experience of Michael Leask and Safyaan Sharif to compete in the unique six-a-side format. Drawn alongside Bangladesh and Sri Lanka in Pool B, Scotland open on 30 October with coaching duo Gordon Drummond and Keegan Russell using the tournament as a development platform.
Key Takeaways
Michael Leask and Safyaan Sharif headline Scotland's seven-member squad for the Hong Kong Sixes .
The tournament runs from 30 October to 1 November at Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground , Hong Kong.
Scotland are in Pool B alongside Bangladesh and Sri Lanka ; they open against Bangladesh on 30 October .
Gordon Drummond will coach the side, assisted by Keegan Russell , in a deliberate development opportunity for the coaching staff.
Pool winners qualify for the Cup semi-finals ; the final is on 1 November .
Michael Leask and Safyaan Sharif, two of Scotland's most experienced limited-overs campaigners, have been named in the country's seven-member squad for the Hong Kong Sixes, the three-day six-a-side tournament scheduled from 30 October to 1 November. The announcement was made on Monday, 19 October, by Cricket Scotland.
Venue and Pool Draw
The tournament will be staged at the Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground in Hong Kong. Scotland are among 12 invited nations and have been placed in Pool B alongside Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. They open their campaign against Bangladesh on 30 October before facing Sri Lanka on 31 October.
What the Selectors Were Looking For
Cricket Scotland head of performance Steve Snell said the squad had been assembled with the all-round demands of the format in mind. 'We're excited to announce our squad for the Hong Kong Sixes, which presents a fantastic opportunity for our players to experience a unique and challenging format of the game,' Snell said in a statement.
'The Sixes format really promotes the three-dimensional cricketer, with batting, bowling and fielding skills all playing an equally important role. We've selected a squad with that in mind, ensuring we have the versatility and skill sets required to be competitive,' he added.
Coaching Setup and Development Angle
Gordon Drummond will lead the side as head coach, supported by assistant Keegan Russell. Snell underlined that the tournament carries development value for the coaching staff as much as the players. 'The tournament also provides a valuable development opportunity for our coaching staff... It's another chance for our coaches to gain experience in a different format and environment, while taking on greater responsibility at an international tournament,' he said.
Format Explained
Each team fields six players and faces six overs per innings. Bowlers generally bowl one over each, though one nominated bowler — other than the wicketkeeper — may bowl two overs. The format places a significant premium on aggressive batting and rapid scoring, rewarding versatile, all-round cricketers.
Tournament Progression
Pool winners advance to the Cup semi-finals, second-placed sides contest the Plate semi-finals, and third-placed teams enter the Bowl competition. Semi-finals are scheduled for 31 October, with play-off games and the final on 1 November.
Scotland's full squad is: Jasper Davidson, Jack Jarvis, Mackenzie Jones, Michael Leask, Finlay McCreath, Lyle Robertson, and Safyaan Sharif. How the young members of the side adapt to the high-pressure, condensed format will be closely watched as Scotland look to make a mark at the tournament.
Point of View
Cricket Scotland's framing of this as a coaching development platform as much as a competitive exercise reflects the governing body's broader push to professionalise its support structures. For a tier-two cricket nation, formats like these offer rare international exposure in a low-stakes environment, but the real dividend will only be visible if the lessons — tactical adaptability, pressure management — are carried back into associate-level red-ball and white-ball programmes.
NationPress
19 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who has been named in Scotland's squad for the Hong Kong Sixes?
Scotland's seven-member squad is Jasper Davidson, Jack Jarvis, Mackenzie Jones, Michael Leask, Finlay McCreath, Lyle Robertson, and Safyaan Sharif. Experienced campaigners Michael Leask and Safyaan Sharif were specifically highlighted by Cricket Scotland in their announcement.
When and where is the Hong Kong Sixes 2024 being played?
The Hong Kong Sixes runs from 30 October to 1 November at the Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground in Hong Kong. Semi-finals are on 31 October and the final is on 1 November.
Which teams are in Scotland's pool at the Hong Kong Sixes?
Scotland have been drawn in Pool B alongside Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. They face Bangladesh on 30 October and Sri Lanka on 31 October.
How does the Hong Kong Sixes format work?
Each team fields six players and bats for six overs per innings. Bowlers typically bowl one over each, though one nominated bowler — excluding the wicketkeeper — can bowl two overs. The format strongly favours aggressive, all-round cricketers.
Who is coaching Scotland at the Hong Kong Sixes?
Gordon Drummond will lead the coaching setup, supported by assistant Keegan Russell. Cricket Scotland head of performance Steve Snell described the tournament as a valuable development opportunity for both the playing and coaching staff.
