CWI, CPL launch new cricket format – THE 6IXTY

THE 6IXTY, cricket’s power game, is the newest, fast-paced format of the game set to bowl off this August between the top male and female cricketers across the CPL franchises.

THE 6IXTY is a joint venture between Cricket West Indies and the Caribbean Premier League in an effort to put the Caribbean at the forefront of cricketing innovation.

CWI President Ricky Skeritt said, “THE 6IXTY is new, it’s showing that CPL is going one step further. It’s come about through a close collaboration between CPL and CWI which is really the way forward. I’m really excited about the innovation, and just the excitement and entertainment it’s going to bring to the fans.”

The first event will take place from August 24 to 28 at Warner Park, one of world cricket’s fastest scoring grounds.

The first edition of this new format will see the men’s and women’s teams from this year’s Caribbean Premier League face off in a new 60-ball tournament.

Skeritt underscored the importance of women’s involvement in THE 6IXTY.

“THE 6IXTY concept evolved out of discussions of how do we take the women’s experiment of 2019 to the next level. The women and 6IXTY are a very very crucial combination from the perspective of Cricket West Indies. We are looking for ways to continue investing and growing our women’s game.”

Future expansion plans of the 6IXTY include the potential of multiple events at different locations around the Caribbean and beyond.

Under the new rules of this format, each batting team has six wickets – at the fall of the sixth wicket they are all out.

Each batting team has two PowerPlay overs. They can unlock a third PowerPlay by hitting two sixes in the first 12 balls. This extra PowerPlay over can be taken at any time between overs 3-9

There will be 30 balls bowled from one end before the action switches to the other end for the final 30 balls.

The 30 balls will be delivered as 5 separate overs, with no bowler being able to bowl more than 2 overs for the innings.

If teams do not bowl their overs within the allotted time, a member of their team is removed from the field for the final six balls.

Also, for the first-time ever, fans will be able to directly influence the game. Fans will be able to vote for the timing of a “Mystery Free Hit” where a batter can’t be dismissed by the bowler.