Cricket Hong Kong are pleased to announce a vital new addition the drive to develop the sport in the local community with the appointment of Richard Waite as Development Manager and Women's Coach.

Waite played for Durham CCC 2nd team and was a prolific player in League cricket in England, before electing to focus on coaching.

"The ambition and vision of Cricket Hong Kong was a major factor in me wanting to take up this role," Waite said.

"To see the unbounded enthusiasm in the young players and the desire for players and staff to be heading in the right direction fills me with excitement. To be given the role as Women’s Head Coach is an honour and a very proud moment for me in my coaching career."

"A key area I would like to focus on is to continue creating a strong player pathway to give the opportunity of young home grown players to take steps in playing for the Hong Kong national teams, both Men's and Women's.

"If we can continue to strengthen the links at grass roots levels in schools and keep increasing the number of people playing cricket it will create good foundations for the future success."

Director of Cricket Charlie Burke said Waite's appointment will fill a key missing link in the development of the game for Hong Kong.

"I’m looking forward to welcoming Richard Waite who brings with him a wealth of experience as a player and coach. It is a critical part of our strategy to further development our pathway and Women’s programs, Richard brings with him a great understanding of developing young players in pathway programs from his time in the North East of England," Burke said.

"Richie will fundamentally work on increasing our pathway programs for local Chinese by coaching the CHK Pioneers and assisting Chris Pickett with the Sportsroad CHK Dragons. A huge part of his role will be to develop an academy program for players coming from our Junior Cricket Sixes into our development teams such as the Pioneers and Dragons."

"Craigengower CC have been a huge support for the development of the game and to have their support through sponsorship and facility use is vital to make these programs sustainable and successful."