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.
