South Africa name seven-member squad for Hong Kong Sixes 2026
Synopsis
South Africa return to the Hong Kong Sixes with a seven-member squad led by Jorich van Schalkwyk, who scored 122 runs in the 2025 edition. Placed in Group D against Afghanistan and Oman, they carry three returning players — and an eye on India's camp, where Bhuvneshwar Kumar's participation is already under a cloud due to a T20I call-up.
Key Takeaways
South Africa have named a seven-member squad for the Hong Kong Sixes 2026 , led by captain Jorich van Schalkwyk .
The tournament runs from 30 October to 1 November 2026 at the Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground , Hong Kong.
Van Schalkwyk scored 122 runs in the 2025 edition; Abdullah Bayoumy took four wickets to lead the bowling charts.
South Africa are placed in Group D alongside Afghanistan and Oman .
Bhuvneshwar Kumar's participation for India is reportedly in doubt after a T20I call-up against New Zealand .
The tournament will be broadcast in India on Sony Sports Network and streamed on FanCode .
South Africa have announced a seven-member squad captained by Jorich van Schalkwyk for the Hong Kong Sixes 2026, scheduled from 30 October to 1 November at the Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground in Hong Kong. The squad marks South Africa's return to the six-a-side tournament, with three players carrying forward experience from the previous edition.
Squad Composition
Alongside captain van Schalkwyk, the squad features Steve Stolk, Abdullah Bayoumy, Ayabulela Gqamane, Alindile Mhletywa, Blake Simpson, and Heath Richards. The side will be coached by South Africa A head coach Wandile Gwavu, who will guide the team through the demanding, fast-paced format.
Returning Players and Their 2025 Numbers
Van Schalkwyk, Simpson, and Bayoumy all featured in South Africa's 2025 campaign, providing the squad with crucial familiarity of tournament conditions. Van Schalkwyk was the team's leading run-scorer in that edition, finishing with 122 runs. Bayoumy led the bowling effort with four wickets, while Simpson contributed meaningfully with both bat and ball. Their presence is expected to provide a steadying influence for the three debutants in the squad.
Group Stage Draw and Road to Knockouts
South Africa have been drawn in Group D alongside Afghanistan and Oman. Their performances in the group stage will be critical to advancing to the knockout rounds. The Hong Kong Sixes format — six players per side — places a premium on aggressive batting, versatile bowling, and sharp decision-making under pressure, rewarding all-round contributions over specialist roles.
India's Squad and Bhuvneshwar Availability Doubt
India had earlier named their own seven-member squad featuring Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Krunal Pandya, Shashank Singh, Rahul Tewatia, Nitish Rana, Rahul Tripathi, and T. Natarajan. However, Bhuvneshwar Kumar's participation is reportedly in doubt after he was selected for India's T20I squad for an upcoming series against New Zealand. The scheduling conflict could force a late change to India's Hong Kong contingent.
Where to Watch
The tournament will be broadcast live in India on Sony Sports Network, with live streaming available on FanCode. The competition offers players a platform to showcase skills in a condensed, high-intensity format that has historically produced eye-catching individual performances.
Point of View
But South Africa's structured squad selection — retaining three players from 2025 and naming an A-team coach — signals they are treating it as more than a junket. The real intrigue is on the India side: a Bhuvneshwar Kumar T20I call-up that potentially pulls their most experienced bowler is the kind of scheduling clash that exposes how little broadcast-friendly boutique tournaments are protected in the international calendar. If India arrive undermanned, it diminishes the marquee draw for Sony and FanCode audiences.
NationPress
15 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is captaining South Africa at the Hong Kong Sixes 2026?
Jorich van Schalkwyk will captain South Africa at the Hong Kong Sixes 2026. He was also the team's leading run-scorer in the 2025 edition, finishing with 122 runs.
When and where is the Hong Kong Sixes 2026 being held?
The Hong Kong Sixes 2026 is scheduled from 30 October to 1 November 2026 at the Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground in Hong Kong. It features a six-a-side format designed around attacking, high-tempo cricket.
Which group are South Africa placed in at the Hong Kong Sixes 2026?
South Africa have been placed in Group D alongside Afghanistan and Oman . Their group-stage results will determine whether they advance to the knockout rounds.
Is Bhuvneshwar Kumar playing the Hong Kong Sixes 2026?
Bhuvneshwar Kumar's participation is reportedly in doubt after he was selected for India's T20I squad for the upcoming series against New Zealand . No official replacement has been announced yet.
Where can fans in India watch the Hong Kong Sixes 2026?
The tournament will be broadcast live in India on Sony Sports Network , with live streaming available on FanCode .
