Cricket Hong Kong, China, declared on September 18 that Indian veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin would be an integral part of the Indian squad for the upcoming Hong Kong Sixes 2025 to be played from November 7-9. Pointedly, the Chennai-born had declared international retirement following a decorated career in December 2024, having claimed more than 700 wickets for India in all formats. Quite hailed as being among the best spinners of contemporary cricket, Ashwin is a massive addition of experience, nuance, and stardom to India's quest in this quick-fire, action-cricket international tournament. Until his IPL retirement, Ashwin was targeting numerous international T20 leagues across the globe, and the cricketer is almost set to feature in the ILT20 and the Big Bash League for the respective next editions of the tournament. Here is what said Burji Shroff, Chairperson of Hong Kong Cricket: “We are proud to welcome R. Ashwin to the Hong Kong Sixes 2025. His presence in Team India elevates the tournament to an even higher level, bringing one of the finest cricketing minds and performers of this era to Hong Kong. The Sixes is about innovation, entertainment, and world-class talent, and Ashwin embodies all of these qualities. We are confident that fans will be treated to a spectacular show of cricket,” “We have all watched the Hong Kong Sixes as youngsters on Television and it has always been an existing format that I wanted to be a part of. This format requires a different strategy and will prove to be high octane, which I am looking forward to playing alongside my ex-teammates. I am also thrilled to compete against some quality players in the opposition teams, it will be a good challenge for us,” said Ashwin. Also Read | Ramiz Raja Calls Andy Pycroft India’s 'Permanent Fixer'; Numbers Disagree The Hong Kong Sixes, the world's most thrilling and shortest form of cricket, will again unite world stars and emerging talent for three days of spine-tingling, high-energy excitement. “R. Ashwin’s inclusion is a huge boost not only for Team India but also for the Hong Kong Sixes as a global property. We are committed to elevating the stature of the tournament, and having an icon like Ashwin participate reflects our vision of bringing the best of world cricket to Hong Kong. Fans are in for an unforgettable experience this November,” said Rajneesh Chopra, co-founder of Arivaa Sports. The past couple of months have been a rollercoaster ride for Ravichandran Ashwin. Earlier in the year, while playing the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024/25, the veteran spinner had declared his retirement from Test cricket, bringing down the curtain on a legendary red-ball career. Then, he played for Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2025, where things did not quite go as planned. Purchased at an extremely expensive price by CSK, Ashwin found it difficult to leave an indelible mark on the season. With already doubts being raised about his position in the team, rumors did the rounds that the franchise was prepared to release him before the next auction. But Ashwin himself chose to hang up his boots from the IPL, declaring his retirement from the league. Soon enough, he confirmed that he wasn't finished with cricket, stating his interest in being a part of several international T20 tournaments. The latest switch now has him gearing up for thrilling new challenges overseas.