Hong Kong Set to Play Cricket's Elite in Tournament with Global Audience

HONG KONG,Sept. 14,2018 -- Cricket Hong Kong,the official organising body for all cricket activities in the territory,has confirmed the participation of the Hong Kong national side in the Asia Cup to be held in Dubai from the 15th-28th September. The side is set to come up against two of the games global heavyweights,as they will face matches against India and Pakistan.

Hong Kong won the Asia Cup Qualifying Tournament in Malaysia to earn their place at the Finals in Dubai

Hong Kong is currently outside of the top-ranking tier provided by the International Cricket Council and without ODI status but earned their right to be at this prestigious competition by winning the qualifying tournament held last week in Malaysia. The team beat UAE in the final,winning a thrilling match.

The Asia Cup features the regions best 6 teams and takes place every two years. The current holders are India. This is without doubt a true platform for the Hong Kong players to showcase their skills given the fanatical following of their opponents -- an average of 130 million people who watch India's international matches.

"This is a wonderful opportunity for all the squad to play on one of the world's highest stages," said Simon Cook,Head Coach for the Hong Kong team. "After some difficult results in competitions earlier in the year,this was a perfect response to qualify for the Asia Cup and the whole team are excited by this chance to compete and represent Hong Kong."

Mark Wright,Director of Cricket at Cricket Hong Kong said,"We are delighted to maintain our record of participating in major international tournaments,and the squad continues to be proud to be playing for Hong Kong. The game here is developing fast,particularly in the schools and community initiatives and we hope that seeing the national team compete against some of the world's finest will increase interest and participation."

The Asia Cup follows a busy week for the cricketing community. The East Asia Cup is also taking place in Hong Kong this week. This tournament pitches Hong Kong Dragons,the ethnic Chinese side representing the territory,against sides from Korea,Japan and China. The Hong Kong Dragons,led by Li Kai Ming,will seek to use home advantage to prise the trophy from the current holders Korea. The East Asia Cup is a highlight for the indigenous cricket being played in the countries where relentless enthusiasm is growing an interest for the game. Developing a following in new countries that have not traditionally played cricket is an indication of the future for the world's second most popular sport.

More details about Cricket Hong Kong,the Asian Cup and the development of the sport in Hong Kong can be found at www.hkcricket.org.

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