Hong Kong/China to host ICC WCL Division 3 tournament in January 2011

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has confirmed that the ICC World Cricket League Division Three tournament will be staged in Hong Kong and China during January 2011. The announcement follows a recent visit by ICC officials to inspect the cricket facilities in the HKSAR and China.

"This is a great honour for us. It's the first time Hong Kong will host a major ICC tournament."Capt. Shahzada Saleem, HKCA President

The ICC announcement was made in a media release issued following completion of an ICC Development Committee meeting in Jakarta, Indonesia. It comes just one day after the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong's announcement that it would be sending men's and women's cricket teams to the 16th Asian Games to be held in Guangzhou during November 2010.

Responding to the announcement, HKCA President Capt. Shahzada Saleem said "This is a great honour for us. It's the first time Hong Kong will host a major ICC tournament."

The ICC media release also announced a new and expanded qualification system that will give ICC Associate and Affiliate Members a distinct pathway towards the World Twenty20 2012 to be held in Sri Lanka.

Read the full ICC Media Release: Exciting developments for the growth of cricket