Sixes Social Cricket is transforming the traditional game

Cricket is often considered one of the most boring sports in the UK, but one immersive activity bar chain is transforming that stereotype. Sixes Social Cricket was founded by co-owners Andy Waugh and Calum MacKinnon during the height of the Coronavirus Pandemic in 2020, hoping to build a cricket community hub where people can hang out and meet new friends along the way.

Sixes Social Cricket is an immersive, tech-enabled experience where the goal is to score as many runs as possible against virtual bowlers by hitting the targets. You don’t have to be good at cricket to play and the bar is open to anyone who stops by.

In The Hundred and the T20 challenges, competitors can choose their level from beginner mode to world-class. The ball can come at you from any speed from 34 mph to 75 mph depending on the skill level you choose. If you’re feeling brave, you can choose to compete in the World Cup game where you will face balls from Aussie legend Glenn McGrath, Shane Warne’s deadly spin, Jimmy Anderson – the King of Swing, or even a ball from Jofra Archer’s spectacular 2019 Ashes performance. Lastly, there is a league format thought of as a cricket alternative to six-a-side football.

Michael Hay, Head of Sales and Marketing, says that people come solo to have a go at the batting experience. “We have keen advocates who come by on regular occasions and will be in the nets by themselves. They will be in the venue three to four times a week.

“It’s almost a social hub”

“This is because it’s almost a social hub, we have live sport on the television, so if you want to watch a football match you can, you don’t have to do the activity. Although our business is built around the cricket experience, we offer so much more,” he says.

Chris Coll, 26, who went to Sixes Cricket solo, said the relaxed style of play had helped him socialise and connect with new people who have the same interest in cricket. Chris says, “They do drinks and food, but it’s more about the entertainment value and atmosphere.

“If you’re doing Sixes, it’s about the social aspect”

“When you’re in an actual cricket game there’s a certain element of competitiveness…If you’re doing Sixes, it’s about the social aspect. You’re not taking it too seriously and you can talk to people in a relaxed atmosphere and enjoy a drink.”

One visitor Phil Dudek, 29, said it was an interesting experience to get a feel for what it was like to face the balls from some of the sports legends even if they were “toned down.” I’ve certainly not been to an experience like Sixes anywhere else. I’ve seen Sky Sports during the Ashes do a similar batting experience on television. I think they had a machine there, where some of the former players face the Ball of the Century. But as a fan it was great to have a go at that challenge as well as being able to have a beer with like-minded individuals at the same time,” says Phil.  

Want to join in?

If you fancy your chance as a cricket champion, Odd One Out magazine are looking for a team of strangers to form a team for one of Sixes Social Cricket’s Tuesday league tournaments in August 2024. For details, visit our Membership Page.