Hong Kong and cricket? Peter Miller identifies an unlikely destination for your next holiday tour...
Cricket tourism is big business. Fans follow their cricket teams all over the world. The passionate and loyal Barmy Army are, by a country mile, the best known of the supporters groups, but they are not the only ones who know how to have a cricketing holiday. There are many wonderful places to visit around the world, with the West Indies, Australia and South Africa amongst the favourite destinations for cricket fans – but what about Hong Kong?
It is not somewhere that cricket fans may have thought of for a visit, but as the dust continues to settle on the second edition of the Hong Kong T20 Blitz, some may consider making the trip. There were world-class players – Darren Sammy, Kumar Sangakkara, Saeed Ajmal, Misbah-ul-Haq and Ian Bell amongst the 25 international players that took part in the event that last five days at the Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground in Kowloon – and those that paid £9 for a general admission ticket or £130 for a VIP one with unlimited food and drink certainly enjoyed their time.
Hong Kong is an amazing city to visit – a crazy place, but crazy like the girl you had a holiday romance with years ago; the memories of the more bizarre moments are remembered fondly. It is hectic, but the city feels safe. While China can be difficult to navigate, Hong Kong has just enough western sensibility to not jar with the visitor; but it is strange enough to make you feel adventurous. You can spend a fortune on food and hotels or live very frugally. Hong Kong Island is replete with exciting nightlife, Kowloon has night markets and local cuisine.
This story is from the March 24,2017 edition of The Cricket Paper.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the March 24,2017 edition of The Cricket Paper.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Kohli leads RCB to much-needed win
VIRAT KOHLI returned to top form with 72 not out to lead RCB to an eight-wicket victory over the Royals in Abu Dhabi.
TEWATIA HAS SPARKED MY LOVE AFFAIR WITH THE IPL
James Wallace admits he has been surprisingly taken in by the IPL so far – and, in particular, the performance of a new Royal renegade
Whitewash victory is just the T20 tonic for Keightley
A SERIES that few thought would come to fruition ended in triumph for England who completed a 5-0 whitewash of the West Indies in Derby.
TEN OUT OF TEN! RYAN IS BASKING IN MORE GLORY
Chris Stocks catches up with Ryan ten Doeschate, who has plotted Essex’s recent county domination every step of the way
Surrey have the Will to end hoodoo
WILL Jacks may be a hot batting prospect but he’s relished the added responsibility with the ball in Surrey’s charge to T20 Finals Day.
NOW IT'S OUR TIME TO HELP OTHERS
Chris Stocks catches up with England’s director of cricket and discusses the need for the ECB to help boards around the world
IT'S OFTEN DOWN TO A THROW OF THE DICE
Garfield Robinson explains just how big a part luck plays in determining success or failure in sport
FINDING TALENTS LIKE TOM IS A GAIN IN ITSELF
One of the unexpected highlights to emerge from English cricket’s Covid-attenuated season was the chance given to young players to strut their stuff. With many overseas players and Kolpaks affected by travel restrictions many counties looked instead to the young talent on their staffs with gratifying results.
Future looks bright for the Ohio Slinger
ALI Khan is earning his stars and stripes in the Indian Premier League, with the first American to play in the tournament breaking down barriers in every sense.
Spin trio put squeeze on after Glenn shows off skill with the bat
SARAH GLENN helped England spin it to win it after proving she can make an all-round contribution.
