Hong Kong Premier League cricket returns in October with extra vigilance on anti-corruption code and Covid-19 guidelines
- Around 13,000 viewers watched the last match of the previous season in March, with many overseas fans tuning into online broadcasts
- Players and officials will be blocked off from the public with restrictions on mobile phone use and other protocols
Cricket Hong Kong will be extra vigilant in ensuring a corruption-free and competitive Premier League Twenty 20 tournament in October, with thousands of overseas viewers expected to watch the action live on social media.
CHK’s general manager Ravi Nagdev said around 13,000 fans watched the final game of the Hong Kong season in March between Diasqua Little Sai Wan and Hong Kong Cricket Club before Covid-19 restrictions forced the halt of all sport in the city.
Given such interest from overseas – and the potential for online betting – organisers will ensure players and official adhere to strict ICC anticorruption rules, along with Covid-19 guidelines.
“All captains, players, umpires and officials will be briefed,” Nagdev said. “We will be following the ICC anticorruption code. Players and officials will be blocked off during games. Areas will be restricted to players and officials only, including at the club venues.
“There will restrictions on mobile phones. We will be advising them on all protocols. This is along with the Covid-19 guidelines and anti-doping rules as well.”