Hong Kong face tough decisions on loan

Plans by the Hong Kong Cricket Association (HKCA) to borrow more than US$125,000 to help build a more professional organisation by hiring a full-time chief executive may proceed despite the international economic crisis.

Although several members of the HKCA board have expressed concerns at taking on such a liability at the present time, chairman Darren Tucker has said he is keen to press ahead.

“There has been a concern with the economy and that will be a valid point for discussion,” Tucker told AFP. “However, there is an overriding belief that we have to take a tough path to achieve goals.”

The highlight of the local season is the Hong Kong Sixes, staged each November and usually featuring an array of club and international players. However, the event is believed to have lost money this year after organisers failed to find a major sponsor.

“This idea should be put on hold," an unnamed source told the South China Morning Post , claiming that almost half the board opposed the scheme. “The timing of this proposal is our concern,” he said. “We are not saying Hong Kong cricket shouldn't have a CEO, all we are saying is that we should get one when the economic conditions are better.”