Sixes success the focus for new Hong Kong chairman

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 said. "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 allrounder, 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 said. "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 its commercial importance in particular.

"If you look at initiatives like the Indian Premier League, it is clear that cricket globally is going through a period of change,' he said. "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. All the signs are that we are going to have another fantastic tournament, which is great news for the HKCA and local cricket."