Tucker determined to maintain Sixes success
The
continued success of the Hong Kong Cricket Sixes is a key
focus for Darren Tucker as he takes up his new role as chairman
of the Hong Kong Cricket Association.
“Obviously,
the Sixes is an important revenue stream for the HKCA – but
it amounts to much more than that,” he says.
“The
tournament also gives Hong Kong cricket global coverage and
provides a huge boost to the Hong Kong cricket community.
“It
gives the game great exposure locally and is a key component
of our drive to develop and expand cricket at grassroots
level.”
Tucker,
45, comes from a strong cricket background, having played
to a high standard in his native Australia.
An
all rounder, he played A-grade club cricket in his native
Sydney and made two representative appearances for New South
Wales.
Early
in his career, he enjoyed two seasons in the highly competitive
Central Lancashire League in England.
Since moving to Hong Kong, he has turned out
for Hong Kong Cricket Club sides Nomads and Wanderers.
Tucker was elected chairman at the HKCA’s recent
AGM and is relishing the challenges that come with his new
position.
“Apart from the Sixes, two other key issues are
the lack of sufficient grounds for us to get more people playing
cricket, and the performance of the Hong Kong team in the international
arena,” he says.
“All of these are crucial to the development
of the game here.”
Tucker’s job as regional manager for a major
sportswear manufacturer and his extensive cricket travels have
given him a global perspective on the game and, especially,
its commercial importance.
“If you look at initiatives like the Indian Premier
League, it is clear that cricket globally is going through
a period of change,’ he says.
“The Sixes is a great way for Hong Kong to remain
relevant in global cricket and we need to make sure it stays
that way. We have to keep up with what is going on outside
our boundaries.
”The 2008 Sixes is starting to take shape very
nicely. We have already signed up two fantastic star names
in Damien Martyn and Stephen Fleming and corporate hospitality
sales are going very well.
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