‘They’re all talking about the Hong Kong T20 Blitz’ – players glad to be back as Jaguars beat Kaitak in opener
West Indian Rayad Emrit says the event has grown in stature with overseas cricketers eager to play in the city
Cali-Mex Hung Hom JD Jaguars won the opening match of the Hong Kong T20 Blitz on Tuesday, beating last year's runners-up City Kaitak by six wickets – but for players from both sides, it was just good to be back playing in a tournament that has grown in stature over the past year.
West Indies’ Rayad Emrit, listed as captain of Kaitak for the game, said the Hong Kong tournament has been on the lips of players around the world.
“Definitely a lot of guys in the Caribbean talk about coming here to play in the Blitz,” said Emrit, who admitted one of his biggest issues on Tuesday was getting used to the cold weather. “Around the world, people are talking about Hong Kong and, you know, the tournament is going to get bigger as long as the international players come and support the Blitz. It could be even bigger next year.
“There’s definitely competition to play in Hong Kong and as long as the players are available they will want to come over.”
Jaguars’ victorious captain Kinchit Shah is teammates with two-time World Cup-winning captain Darren Sammy as well as Australian Ben Laughlin – winner of the Big Bash League with Adelaide Strikers last week.