Hong Kong to host ODI matches against Scotland in January 2016
The first ever ODIs will be played on Chinese soil next year, when Scotland travel to Hong Kong to play two World Cricket League matches and two T20Is in January, according to South China Morning Post. There will be a four-day Intercontinental Cup match, which will be the first time first-class cricket takes place on Chinese soil as well.
The ODIs have been scheduled for January 26 and 28, and the two T20s will be played after that. The tour starts off with the four-day match on January 21. Hong Kong is a city in southeastern China which has been making promising steps in the world of cricket recently – as a result presenting a new frontier in Asian cricket.
The ICC approved the Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground (also called Mission Road) as an ODI venue, under direction of Match Referee David Boon, and the Hong Kong Cricket board followed the approval by making this happy announcement.
HKCA chief executive Tim Cutler marked the occasion as a historic moment and praised the Leisure and Cultural Services Department for helping to prepare the ground so that it would meet ICC requirements.
“The approval of Mission Road is a historic event for Hong Kong cricket and I would like to thank the HKCA staff and volunteers who worked on this project.
“It is fitting that the first nation to play ODI cricket against us here is Scotland.
“The Scots have long proud history in Hong Kong and we have already initiated discussions with various local Scottish community groups to ensure these matches are properly publicised and celebrated.”
Hong Kong can host IPL matches and Test matches too: HKCA
After Scotland, the HKCA is hoping to stage matches against the Netherlands and Afghanistan.
"With talk of cricket's inclusion at the Olympics increasing, I think it is critical we do not overlook the opportunity to provide a world-class facility where we could also host women's and under-age World Cup events. Twenty20 matches (or franchises) from the hugely successful Indian Premier League and Australian Big Bash Leagues are also an option."
"We could even provide a neutral Test venue. All of these would generate immense global interest and the potential TV revenue alone makes this a very exciting prospect, along with the obvious exposure for Hong Kong itself."
Hong Kong was awarded ODI status in October 2014 and are 16th in the ICC Rankings. Scotland are 14th.
A historic day for Hong Kong cricket: Ming Li signs for Sydney Sixers & a home series is organised against Scotland. #BBL #BBL05 #SS #HKvSCO
— Freddie Wilde (@fwildecricket) November 23, 2015