From One Overseas Players to 27 in Two Years: The Story of Hong Kong T20 Blitz
Updated - 24 Jan 2018, 07:56 PM
When the inaugural edition of the Hong Kong T20 Blitz began in 2016, there was only a single overseas recruit during the tournament.
However, there are 27 foreign players who are taking part in this competition. The head of the Cricket Hong Kong, Max Abbott was one of the pioneers who put together the tournament inside a couple of months admitted he was pretty surprised with how rapidly the event has established itself.
“When we started this in 2016, I don’t think we ever anticipated that in 2018 we’d have 27 high-quality overseas players coming for this tournament,” Abbott said of an event that has also secured broadcasting rights to a potential audience of 175 million.
“Sometimes you pinch yourself a bit, the owners’ commitment to lifting the profile has been far beyond what we’d have anticipated. We’re all doing this for Hong Kong and to promote sport and cricket here on a world stage – we hope more and more will want to join us on that journey.”
Squads of the five franchises were announced on Wednesday for February 6-11 which includes ten overseas players who will return after the 2017 tournament including the likes of Kumar Sangakkara, Darren Sammy and Dwayne Smith.
“I loved the previous season of the Blitz, and cannot wait to represent Gladiators for the second time running. I’m super excited to get back with the team,” said Sangakkara. “I loved the Hong Kong experience and vibe and to come again and play with the home-grown talent in front of such enthusiastic supporters is something I am looking forward to.”
“The depth of talent in this year’s overseas draft is incredible,” tournament director Matt Stiller said. “The franchise owners have done fantastically well to assemble these squads, which are sure to provide a great spectacle for cricket fans in Hong Kong.”
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