OFFICIAL STAMP OF APPROVAL FOR CATHAY PACIFIC/STANDARD CHARTERED HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL CRICKET SIXES

Hong Kong, October 12: The 2004 Cathay Pacific/Standard Chartered Hong Kong International Cricket Sixes has received an official stamp of approval.

Boasting prize money of US$260,000, this year's event will take place at Kowloon Cricket Club on November 6-7.

And on hand to witness the excitement of the world's premier Sixes event will be leading officials from both the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and the fledgeling Chinese Cricket Association (CCA).

Mike Walsh, chairman of the Hong Kong Cricket Association (HKCA), said: "The Cathay Pacific/Standard Chartered Hong Kong International Cricket Sixes are one of the jewels in the crown on the Asian cricketing calendar.

"At the HKCA we are fully aware of our responsibilities to popularise the game – in Hong Kong, China and throughout the region.

"While the over-riding aim of the association is to ensure that cricket continues to thrive in Hong Kong, it can only be in the best interests of the game in the SAR if cricket takes a firm foothold in China.

"That is why we have been fully supportive of the formation of the Chinese Cricket Association. We are delighted that they have been formally welcomed into the fold as members of both the Asian Cricket Council and the International Cricket Council.

"Indeed, it is our hope that before long we will see a team representing mainland China participating in the Cathay Pacific/Standard Chartered Hong Kong International Cricket Sixes."

Meanwhile, Walsh confirmed that officials from the CCA as well as Syed Ashraful Huq, chief executive of the ACC, have accepted formal invitations to be present at the Kowloon Cricket Club next month.

The CCA will be represented by Cui Weihong, the lady charged with overseeing the association, and Li Gaochao, Deputy Director General, Multi-ball Games Administration Centre of State Sport General Administration.

It will be the second time that Syed has attended the Hong Kong event. He said: "The Sixes concept works as entertainment for people who love to see boundary-clearing, big-hitting. It's a taster for the real thing and it's good to see the public and sponsors supporting the game at this level."

Syed is also bullish about China's emergence on the cricketing scene. "The ACC are honoured by the presence of the Chinese Cricket Association on the world stage and we wish it every success in the future. We at the ACC feel that China has the potential to make great advances in the years to come," he said.

Defending champions England will headline this year's eight-nation line-up. They will be joined by teams representing Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, Hong Kong, Kenya, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates.

‘Early bird' two-day tickets for the 2004 Cathay Pacific/Standard Chartered Hong Kong International Cricket Sixes are currently available. Prices have been set at HK$350 for adults and HK$200 for children under the age of 15. From October 16, the price will increase to HK$450 for adults.

The eight competing teams are split into two groups of four and will play each other on a round-robin basis on day one.

The 2004 Cathay Pacific/Standard Chartered Hong Kong International Cricket Sixes will take place at Kowloon Cricket Club, 10 Cox's Road, Kowloon on November 6-7. Early bird two-day passes cost HK$350 for adults and HK$200 for children under 15, and are on sale through Cityline at www.cityline.com as well as at the following outlets: Hong Kong Cricket Club (137 Wong Nai Chung Gap Road, Happy Valley, tel. 2574 6266); Kowloon Cricket Club (10 Cox's Road, Jordan, tel. 2367 4141); Dot Cod Seafood Restaurant & Oyster Bar (Prince's Building, Central tel. 2810 6988).