Hong Kong Cricket Sixes shine with Karp Group and Unirich Jewellery

The world's leading six-a-side cricket tournament has received a boost with confirmation that Karp Group and Unirich Jewellery have come on board as the joint title sponsors of the event, to be known as the Karp Group & Unirich Jewellery Hong Kong Cricket Sixes.

First played in 1992, the Hong Kong Cricket Sixes is the longest-running international tournament of its kind and will this year celebrate its 15th edition. As such, the Sixes has been included by the International Cricket Council (ICC) as a 'Catch the Spirit' event to celebrate the global governing body's centenary celebrations.

Karp Group, who focus on manufacturing and marketing polished diamonds and diamond jewellery, and Unirich Jewellery, a jewellery manufacturing and exporting company, are both Hong Kong-based organisations committed to supporting the SAR's flagship international cricket event.

As such, they saw the Sixes as the ideal vehicle to illustrate their backing of the local game.

Said Ramesh Maldar from the Karp Group: "The Hong Kong Sixes is Asia's highest profile cricket tournament of its kind and, as cricket lovers, we are thrilled to be a part of such a significant event for the local cricket community."

"Karp Group Far East Asia region head offices are in Hong Kong but our company has significant business interests in India, Europe, Far East and the Middle East so when Dinesh asked about supporting the Hong Kong Sixes we decided it was a good fit for our local and international profile. I look forward to working with the Hong Kong Cricket Association and ensuring the 2009 tournament is one of the best ever."

Sohan Goenka at Unirich Jewellry, added: "The Sixes is a big tournament both locally and internationally. For two Hong Kong based companies to support such an important Hong Kong event is a very strong statement. Unirich Jewellery is delighted to support the Sixes this year and I am confident our partnership with the Karp Group and the Hong Kong Cricket Association will contribute to the positive profile of Hong Kong internationally and the growth of the sport here."

Jayesh Patel from Infinity Diamonds and also a senior member of the Sixes sponsorship committee has been instrumental in pulling this deal through.

Captain Shahzada Saleem Ahmed, President of the Hong Kong Cricket Association, said: "We are delighted that two premium Hong Kong companies have seen the value in the Hong Kong Cricket Sixes and will be part of the event this year. The Karp Group & Unirich Jewellery Hong Kong Cricket Sixes will be seen by millions of fans worldwide, plus provides a great driver for the development of the game in Hong Kong."

The host broadcaster for the 2009 Karp Group & Unirich Jewellery Hong Kong Cricket Sixes will be Taj TV-owned Tensports, who will provide a live broadcast into the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Australia and South Africa on October 31 (8.20am-5.30pm HKT) and November 1 (8.30am-5.00pm HKT).

The tournament will be available live in Hong Kong on ESPN STAR Sports Cricket Live Plus Channel (Channel 675) on the NOW TV platform at the same times, while TVB Pearl will screen one hour of highlights at midnight on November 1. Repeats will also screen on the ESPN STAR Sports Cricket Live Channel (Channel 674).

Additional coverage will also be seen in North America, the United Kingdom, Europe and China. The 2008 Sixes was broadcast to 80 million households worldwide.

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About the Hong Kong Cricket Sixes
In 2009, the Sixes has been selected as an ICC Centenary Celebration World Event and will feature a special ceremony to honour 100 years of the International Cricket Council and the Spirit of Cricket.

Six-a-side cricket is the quickest, most fun-filled version of the game - a feast of world-class players, thrilling matches and big hits.

First played in 1992, the Hong Kong Cricket Sixes is the longest-running and highest-profile Sixes tournament in the world. It offers two days of fast and furious action in a festival atmosphere - eight international teams, 45-minute clashes and global television coverage.

Stars who have taken part include Brian Lara, Sachin Tendulkar, Javed Miandad, Steve and Mark Waugh, Viv Richards, Andrew Flintoff, Shane Warne, Anil Kumble, Adam Gilchrist, Wasim Akram, MS Dhoni and Sanath Jayasuriya.

The Sixes won the prestigious 2007 ICC Award for Best Cricket Promotional and Marketing Award.

England recorded a record fifth Sixes title last year after a stunning final in which they finished tied with Australia on 121 runs. When Australian batsman Stephen O'Keefe was run out attempting a second run from the final delivery that would have given his team victory, England were confirmed victors as they had lost fewer wickets (three wickets to one).

For further information, please contact:
Damien McDowell
T: +852 2815-9876
M: +852 9409-5811
E: dmcdowell@brand-rapport.com

Erica Liu
T: +852 2815-9871
M: +852 9186-6877
E: eliu@brand-rapport.com