Tim Smart resigns from Hong Kong captaincy

Tim Smart © HKCA

Tim Smart has resigned from the captaincy of the Hong Kong cricket team. Smart has recently accepted a new job that will mean he will no longer have the time to commit to the position.

The 34-year old Smart communicated his intention to the Chairman of Selectors on 4th April 2007 and will not be joining the team at the World Cricket League Division 3 tournament to be played in Darwin, Australia at the end of May 2007.

Smart noted in his letter to the Chairman of Selectors, "I am extremely proud of the team and what we have achieved since I accepted the captaincy, including:

Reaching the final of the ACC Trophy was particularly important given our 2004 first round exit, the marked increase in the standard of the competition over the last few years, and the explicit HKCA Executive objective to reach the final of this competition (which has greatly increased development prospects and funding for Hong Kong cricket).

A great deal of the team's success is due to Robin's (Singh) influence on the side. In particular I would like to thank Robin for his professionalism as a cricket coach and his support of me as captain.

Recent performances of the side (when we have been able to put our full strength side on the pitch), including the ACC Trophy result, have now put Hong Kong Cricket back in a position of strength and long may that continue."

A replacement for Smart as Hong Kong skipper has not yet been announced.