Simon Willis quits as Hong Kong cricket head coach days after side’s T20 failure
Englishman says he was looking to pursue new challenges, while search for replacement expected to begin immediately
Simon Willis has resigned as head coach of the men’s Hong Kong cricket team, days after his side failed to make the final of their home T20 quadrangular series.
It was the latest in a string of disappointing performances from a side that has lost ground on its Asian rivals over the past year, struggling to beat the likes of Qatar and Kuwait on several occasions.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the Englishman said he was leaving to pursue new challenges, but the 51-year-old’s future had been in doubt for some time, and sources said the search for a replacement was likely to start as soon as possible.
Still, just four days ago, Willis was discussing how Hong Kong could move forward, even while raising concerns over his team’s commitment and focus.
Wishing Willis “all the best in his future endeavours”, the cricketing body said the coach had achieved significant milestones since he was appointed in March 2023, which had culminated in qualification for the T20 Asia Cup in India later this year.
“Under Simon’s leadership, a larger pool of players has been identified and developed through a clear and aligned men’s talent pathway to the international game, marking a substantial advancement for the team,” the CHKC statement said.