Cricket officials from Hong Kong have visited their counterparts in mainland China to discuss ways to work together to promote the sport.
The sport’s inclusion in the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles and the potential for it to be included in the National Games of China were also on the agenda.
A delegation representing Cricket Hong Kong met officials from the General Administration of Sport of China and China Cricket Association, with discussions taking place in Shanghai, Beijing and Jinan, the capital of Shandong province.
Discussions took place in Shanghai, Beijing and Jinan, with representatives of Shanghai Cricket Association and Shandong Cricket Association among those present.
Xiu Zhentao, Shandong Cricket Association’s honorary chairman, said the collaboration would serve as a starting point for Hong Kong and mainland China to “leverage their rich resources fully”.
“We will continue to align with the country’s development direction, principles and policies on sports development, working together to promote the concept of ‘leading the way and opening a new situation’ for both cricket industries,” Xiu said.
“We aim to build a communication and cooperation platform for coaches, athletes and cricket enthusiasts from both regions, using cricket as a means to connect.”
Burji Shroff, chairperson of Cricket Hong Kong, gave special thanks to the ongoing partnership with the Shandong Small Ball Sports Federation, of which Xiu is chairman.
“I am honoured to establish a relationship with the Shandong Small Ball Sports Federation to further develop youth cricket in the province and promote the growth of cricket in Hong Kong,” Shroff said. “Through this strategic cooperation agreement, our organisations can communicate and strengthen the development of cricket.
“By expanding the influence of cricket across China, we can increase participation opportunities and share the joy of this wonderful game.”
Yin Xiaomin, deputy director of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office of the Shandong provincial government, said she hoped Shandong and Hong Kong would “collaborate to write a new chapter in sports competition, sports culture and the sports industry”.
Interest in cricket in mainland China has been growing steadily. Six players who took part in the East Asia Cup in Hong Kong earlier this year are included in this week’s All-Stars line-up.
The event, being held at Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground in Kowloon, started on Wednesday and runs until Sunday.
