Hong Kong to host 2016 Women's World Cup Qualifier

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced that the 2016 Women’s World Cup Qualifier – Asia, will be held in Hong Kong. The tournament will commence from October 9 and all the matches will take place at the Tin Kwong Recreation Ground in Mong Kok. China, Nepal, Thailand and Hong Kong will feature in the tournament and will play against each other in the round-robin format.

“The ICC 2016 Women’s World Cup Qualifier – Asia is an exciting opportunity for the top Women’s teams in Asia,” ICC Development and Programs Manager Andy Hobbs said. “The winner of this event will progress to the ICC 2017 Women’s World Cup Global Qualifier and have the opportunity to play against some of the top Women’s teams in the world and of course, the chance to make it to the very pinnacle of Women’s Cricket at the World Cup itself.”

All the top ranked teams had directly qualified for the ICC Women’s World Cup 2017. Hong Kong had hosted its first ever international match against Scotland, participated in the World Twenty20 and launched a franchise-based T20 tournament earlier this year.

“We are thankful to the ICC for electing us to host the first ever Women’s World Cup Qualifier Asia,” Tim Cutler, the Hong Kong CEO, said. “We will be working closely with the government to ensure Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground is at the best standard it can be for this international event.”

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“Our ladies are the pride of our indigenous development programs with over half of the squad being of Hong Kong Chinese extraction. Witnessing the success of big sister China is particularly pleasing. However the Hong Kong versus China matches are sure be the highlight for many,” he concluded.