Raising the stakes: Hong Kong T20 Blitz adds fifth franchise
Organisers expect more big-name players to take part in the five-day tournament in March
The fifth franchise for the expanded Hong Kong T20 Blitz is up for auction, with the base price raised 150 per cent and the Hong Kong Cricket Association receiving strong interest from a number of countries.
Organisers are expecting more big-name players to take part in the March tournament, which has been extended to five days, instead of three, with the new franchise going at a base price of HK$125,000 – up from HK$50,000 for May’s inaugural event.
“The tournament is now five days instead of two-and-a-half and every match will be streamed live – so the fees have been raised in line with the overall growth of the event,” said HKCA marketing and commercial director Max Abbott.
“This time around teams also have six months to plan their promotions and sponsor events so that in itself makes it more attractive.
“[The money] is going back into the event to make it a success. There has also been interest from broadcasters, who are waiting to see what players sign on.”