Hong Kong to hold 2016 Women's World Cup Qualifier - Asia

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced on Tuesday (June 21) that the 2016 Women's World Cup Qualifier - Asia, will be held in Hong Kong. The event will commence on October 9 later in the year, and all the matches are scheduled to take place at the Tin Kwong Recreation Ground in Mong Kok. China, Nepal, Thailand and Hong Kong will play each other in a round-robin format, with a place for the top ranked team assured in the global qualifying tournament.
"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."
The sport was introduced to Hong Kong by the British in 1841, since which, it has grown in stature in the country. Earlier this year, Hong Kong hosted its first ever international match against Scotland, participated in the World Twenty20 and launched a franchise-based T20 tournament. With the ICC awarding the rights to hold the Women's World Cup Qualifier, it is set to boost the profile of the game in the country further.
"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.
"Our ladies are the pride of our indigenous development programmes 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."