Hong Kong cricket bosses grow mainland China links, eye National Games inclusion and float Chinese Super League plan
- CHKC signed the deal with Shandong Small Ball Sports Federation and fostered links with Chinese cricket associations
- Chairman Burji Shroff says the joining of forces would ‘absolutely not’ threaten Hong Kong’s independence as a cricketing region
Hong Kong cricket officials have said a burgeoning partnership with their counterparts in mainland China could lead to its inclusion in the National Games, but would “absolutely not” threaten the city’s sporting autonomy.
Cricket Hong Kong, China (CHKC) has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Shandong Small Ball Sports Federation, in addition to fostering relationships with cricket associations in Shanghai, Beijing and several provinces.
Burji Shroff, the CHKC chairman, said his organisation had been actively looking to partnering with groups on the mainland, adding that the time officials spent together last month would “benefit both parties”.
“Cricket’s potential inclusion in the National Games, and the prospect of Hong Kong hosting some matches, would give a significant impetus to the sport,” Shroff said. “We think it could generate infrastructure development, increased participation and an improved standard.”
Cricket’s introduction for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles was another driver underpinning the new Hong Kong-mainland alliance.
“The Olympics will spur the growth of cricket worldwide, and more nations, including [mainland] China, are looking to invest in the sport,” Shroff said.
“Hong Kong takes the Olympics very seriously, so it will increase awareness of cricket within the government. We expect it to enhance public interest, and attract more people to play.”
And Shroff said the pooling of resources would “absolutely not” threaten Hong Kong’s position as a separate entity within cricket globally.
But, the chairman said he “would certainly consider” fielding a Hong Kong team in any future Chinese Super League, a concept that has been suggested as franchise cricket continues to boom.
Whatever happened, Shroff said Hong Kong cricket and their mainland counterparts would “exchange experiences, facilities and players”.
Hong Kong has been an associate member of the global governing body, the International Cricket Council, since 1969, while China gained associate status in 2017.
“Regarding certain aspects of physical health, mainland China far exceeds the skills we have in Hong Kong,” Shroff said. “Cricket will grow rapidly on the mainland, and they have the resources to facilitate that.”
Shroff’s long-term goal, aside from developing better cricket facilities in the city, is to see the men’s team to climb to “around 14 or 15” in the world, and for the women’s side to reach number 17, with both regularly competing in the 50-over and T20 World Cups.
The men and women are currently ranked 21st and 22nd, respectively, and the former competed in the last of their two T20 World Cups in 2016.
Most recently, the men finished third at April’s ACC Premier Cup, where they won half of their six matches, leading Shroff to acknowledge that “Hong Kong have definitely underperformed recently”.
Following comments from Simon Willis, the head coach, about a handful of players not being fully focused when on international duty, Shroff added: “If they don’t perform together as a team, we will very rapidly make changes.
“It is not an insurmountable problem, and there have recently been dramatic improvements. The team understands what the coaches want, and the coaches are more aware of the players’ needs.”
Shroff is confident Hong Kong boasts the emerging performers to challenge senior figures, while CHKC are aiming to deepen the player pool with “structures and programmes to ensure we identify talents in schools and universities”.
There was acknowledgement, too, of the need to make cricket a viable career choice for promising players.
“Retaining talented youngsters within the cricket system can be a challenge, especially when they have opportunities to pursue higher education or professional careers,” Shroff said.
“Mentoring young players is key, along with giving them an opportunity to grow, while playing for Hong Kong.”
