HUA HIN: The annual Bangkok Post-Hua Hin Cricket Sixes kicks off today at the Dusit Thani Hotel.
The scene of action is the hotel's former polo ground that's doubled as a makeshift cricket field.
The wicket this year is new, a relaid astro pitch, after the old one was damaged in a fire, and in the fray of the April 4-9 tournament are 22 teams, all but four of them from overseas.
They will be pitting their wits in matches spread across three divisions, the Cup, Masters and Veterans, and looking for some fun under the sun, and a much-needed respite from the high-octane, emotional rollercoaster of the Cricket World Cup that concluded last Sunday.
There is, however, a finer edge and sense of anticipation to the proceedings this time as the tournament is also celebrating an important milestone in its history.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the competition and, as is fitting, the organisers have gone that extra distance to make sure the blend of cricket and entertainment dished out in Hua Hin is indeed extra special.
The tournament, apart from hosts Thailand, features teams from Australia, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Singapore and India.
The Australian presence is particularly strong, with former one-day international Mick Lewis and Test star Shaun Graf leading the pack, followed by Ben Rohrer and Aaron O'Brien, who are making repeat visits to Hua Hin, while two others, Warren Ayres and Andrew Kent, are familiar names in domestic cricket Down Under.
They are part of a strong Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC) contingent, the only side to be fielding a team in every division of the tournament.
Thailand Colts, winners of the Cup trophy in the inaugural year, and Thai Thevada spearhead the local challenge in the main draw.
Also in the Cup are defending champions MCC and newcomers Kew Cricket Club. Teams will play each other thrice in the group stage, the top two going into the final.
Action starts at 8am every day and play finishes around 6.30pm. The semi-finals and finals in all divisions will take place on April 9.