Hong Kong to send 12 of the city’s top female cricketers to FairBreak Global Invitation T20 tournament
- The tournament was originally expected to take place in Hong Kong, but had to be moved after the city’s tough Covid-19 restrictions took hold
- ‘It will put the game in the headlines ... supporting us in inspiring the next generation of female cricketers,’ says Cricket Hong Kong’s Mark Farmer
Twelve of the city’s top female cricketers will join the inaugural SDG FairBreak Global Invitation T20, set for the Dubai International Cricket Stadium from May 1 to 15.
Co-sanctioned by the ICC and Cricket Hong Kong, the players will join 90 female cricketers from 35 countries in the tournament. Six teams will compete in what is believed to be the first privately funded tournament in women’s cricket history.
Hong Kong’s top players also have the chance to share the field with some of the world’s best cricketers, a prospect Hong Kong captain Kary Chan is relishing.
“It’s a great opportunity to play with the top-class cricketers. I can learn from them and gain more experience to help myself in the captaincy of the Hong Kong team,” said Chan, who is slated to play with South Coast Sapphires alongside fellow Hongkonger Emma Lai.
Among the 12 players is former national cricket team captain Mariko Hill, who represented Hong Kong at the 2010 and 2014 Asian Games. Hill, along with all-rounder Marina Lamplough have been named for team Warriors with both admitting the event represents a huge opportunity.
“It is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the talent of associate cricketers and reduce disparity between associate and international cricket,” Hill said.
Lamplough said she looked forward to playing alongside her cricket idol Suzie Bates. “Suzie Bates is my fellow Otego Spark teammate. She is the world’s greatest and always makes the environment a positive one,” Lamplough said.
The tournament was originally expected to take place in Hong Kong, but had to be moved after the city’s tough Covid-19 restrictions took hold.
Up-and-coming Hong Kong player Maryam Bibi, along with gifted all-rounder and Middlesex and Hong Kong player Natasha Miles will join Tornadoes.
Bibi, 19, said she was looking forward to learning from the world-class cricketers and coaches. “It may inspire my cricket skills and sense,” she said.
Shanzeen Shahzad and Bella Poon will join team Warriors, while Ruchi Venkatesh and Iqra Sahar will represent Barmy Army.
Mark Farmer, general manager of high performance at Cricket Hong Kong, said the impact of the event for Hong Kong will reach far beyond those players involved in the tournament.
“It will put the game in the headlines, showcasing women’s cricket, attracting players to the game, and supporting us in inspiring the next generation of female cricketers in Hong Kong,” he said.
