Full ODI games against big guns crucial for Hong Kong's development, says cricket chief
The Hong Kong Cricket Association is confident future matches against teams of the calibre of England will enjoy full ICC one-day international status
The Hong Kong Cricket Association is confident future matches against teams of the calibre of England will enjoy full ICC one-day international status.
Hong Kong lost to an England XI side featuring their top one-day players by 169 runs on Sunday in Abu Dhabi. They also face a Pakistan XI in a Twenty20 fixture on November 23. The England match was not given full ODI status because it was arranged at a late stage.
"Perhaps, if both parties had longer to prepare, a full ODI may have been feasible and hopefully this is something both parties can consider for the future," said HKCA chief executive Tim Cutler.
It's crucial we continue to play against full members to ensure we are challenged and get a greater understanding of where we are as a squad
"However the reality was in the time available - less than a month - the proper arrangements that would normally be covered could not be completed in time."
Hong Kong are officially a one-day side and the matches against England and Pakistan were organised only after originally scheduled games involving the United Arab Emirates were cancelled.
Charlie Burke, the HKCA's director of cricket, said regular games against the world's best teams are key to raising the standards of local players.