Share

Clarke to star in Hong Kong T20

Sydney - Former Australia captain Michael Clarke will headline Hong Kong's Twenty20 Blitz this month as he pursues a comeback in cricket's shortest form.

Clarke, one of the top batsmen of his generation, will star at the four-team tournament from May 28-29 in a rare appearance since his retirement last year.

"While I have never been to Hong Kong before, I have heard so much about what a great place it is for sport," he said in a statement from organisers on Wednesday.

"I can’t wait to meet my teammates and experience the city, while also hopefully contributing to the game of cricket in Hong Kong which I know has been coming on leaps and bounds in recent years."

Injury-plagued Clarke, 35, retired last August after playing 115 tests for Australia, 47 as captain, and 245 one-day internationals, but only 34 T20 internationals.

Clarke returned to action in a Sydney club game in February, and he has also held talks with the Sydney Sixers about playing in Australia's Twenty20 Big Bash League.

T20 cricket can be a big money-spinner for players, with Australian veteran Shane Watson netting a US$1.4 million contract at this year's Indian Premier League auction.

Organisers said they were delighted to welcome Clarke to the T20 Blitz, which follows Hong Kong's appearance at this year's World Twenty20 tournament.

"To summarise Michael's credentials is impossible, he is simply one of the best cricketers of this generation, if not ever," said Hong Kong Cricket Association chief Tim Cutler.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2249 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE