Clarke signs up for Hong Kong’s domestic T20 league

SYDNEY: A marriage of convenience will see Michael Clarke try to kickstart his Twenty20 career via the fledgling Hong Kong Blitz later this month.

Clarke, who retired from international cricket in August 2015, then announced his return to grade cricket too late to be considered for the IPL auction, has not yet stirred much interest from clubs ahead of next season’s Big Bash League. T20 was not his strong suit as he played his last recognised T20 game in 2012. The decision to offer his services to Hong Kong around two weeks ago suggests he knows he has to start somewhere.

The organisers of the new competition, set to be played from May 27 to 29, are delighted to have secured a cricketing name of Clarke’s stature. Ashes and World Cup victories make him an instantly recognisable figure to help promote a tournament designed to build interest in T20 in the region. “To summarise Michael’s credentials is impossible, he is simply one of the best cricketers of this generation, if not ever,” Hong Kong Cricket Association (HKCA) chief executive Tim Cutler said.