HK F.A.Q's

HK F.A.Q's

Where is the Wharney hotel and what's it like?
The Wharney is in the middle of Wanchai on Hong Kong Island. Wanchai is the traditional home of Hong Kong night life comprising bars, clubs, restaurants and pubs. The Wharney is at the fulcrum. It is close to an MTR (tube) station, which links it to areas such as Central (business district and designer stores), Lam Kwai Fong (another night-life area, just behind Central) and Tsim Sha Tsui (nightlife area on Kowloon side). 'Nearly, forgot, Wanchai is a stroll away from great shopping in Causeway Bay's Department stores.

Taxis are readily available in Wanchai, unless it is raining, in which case, it's like any other major city. Also they are incredibly good value.

The Wharney is a very clean, modern, city-style hotel. Rooms are compact as space is at a premium in HK. It is a lot better than most hotels used on cricket tours.

The hotel is 15 minutes by taxi to both Hong Kong Cricket club and Kowloon Cricket club via the cross-harbour tunnel.
You can have a look at the hotel via either the link above on via the British Airways website.

Why aren't we touring while the Hong Kong International Cricket Sixes are being played?
The Sixes is a fantastic weekend event at the end of October each year. All the stars turn out to play in the tournament. It was the original plan to tour around that time, so that we could watch. However, our friends in Hong Kong advised against it, as both HKCC and KCC are taken over for the tournament. The grounds are heavily involved in preparation and dismantling for weeks around the actual tournament; the former is used for net facilities, while the latter stages the competition itself. Moreover, our friends in Hong Kong are "heavily involved" in hosting those players, and will need a break before we get there…

What are the two main cricket clubs like?
Please see their comprehensive websites, www.hkcc.org and www.kcc.org. As you will see, they both have fantastic, hotel like facilities, with restaurants open for breakfast lunch and dinner, and bars open all day. We will be made extremely welcome.

What's the weather like?
The end of September through to Christmas was probably the best cricketing weather in the world. Guaranteed blue skies, 70-odd degrees and low humidity. However, the manufacturing boom in mainline China can create a smog and more unsettled weather. It will be mild though.

Will I be able to take all my cricket kit with the new airline baggage regulations?
Once the flights are open we will make our booking, we will ask how much allowance they will give the group. Hopefully they will be generous. Every cricket side in HK still uses a "club bag" system. The bats, pads, gloves and even helmets in this bag are regularly replaced and so there is no worn kit, which is unlike any experiences you've had with such kit in UK. I know that HKCC will understand, and allow us to borrow a club bag for our games. Therefore, bulky items such as pads don't need to taken on tour. You'll also only need to take one sleeveless cricket sweater, and fresh towels are provided by the respective clubs in the dressing rooms. So there already major reductions in your cricket bags.

How much cricket can I expect to play?
As with all games, especially on tour, this will depend on weather and injuries. However, games are short in HK, and we will be playing 35-over a side games. This is why we are trying to get four matches.

What events am I committed to?
It is intended to keep the tour as flexible as possible. This is a great opportunity to get to know the place, not just a couple of cricket clubs and a lot of friendly cricketers.

Players of course will be expected to socialise with the opposition after games. Unless you have been selected to play, please feel free to organise your own shopping, dinners etc. If you have any business commitments, please go ahead and organise yourself.

If there is night racing on the Wednesday evening at Happy Valley (between our hotel and HKCC), then we shall try to get a small allocation of tickets in the HKCC box. This is a wonderful event in a tremendous box high on the one furlong marker. No doubt we shall over-subscribe this precious resource, so it intended to have a ballot.

What clothes should I pack?
All you'll need is a light sweater for the evenings. Dress will be smart casual all week. For the chaps, a collar on your tee-shirt plus long trousers will be required around the cricket pavilions in the evenings. You should take swimming togs-both KCC and HKCC have excellent pools, which could well still be open at that time of year. That shall be followed up nearer the time.

Again, nearer the time when we know if racing is on that Wednesday evening, those intending entering the ballot should pack a jacket and tie for the box.

What if I am intending joining the tour from another location?
You will be encouraged to book your own flights and accommodation at the Wharney. Also, please keep the tour committee in touch with your plans.

What if I am intending travelling from UK but with different timings to the main tour party?
Again, you will be asked to book your own flights and accommodation, and keep the committee informed.