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Paul McNamara

Mamatha Maben said she wanted to oversee a “growth story” for Hong Kong cricket after upending her life to become head coach of the women’s city team.
The former India international all-rounder, who has previously been in charge of China and Bangladesh, has signed a three-year deal to lead the world No 22 team.
Maben said she had to “think carefully about moving”, with four dogs, two cats and a family to take into consideration.
“But the offer was too good to let go because of the scope of growth I can be involved in,” Maben said. “I sacrificed three years to be part of a growth story.”
Maben arrived in Malaysia on Friday ahead of her debut assignment, a four-match T20 series against the world No 26 hosts, beginning on Sunday.












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The 55-year-old does not officially start until Monday, but she packed up her Karnataka home in a hurry for the chance to gain early insight into her new players.
“Matches give you a true indicator of a player’s temperament and skills, so it’s going to give me a good understanding of what I have to work with,” Maben said.
Speaking shortly before her squad joined her in Selangor, Maben said she was “slightly nervous, but quietly excited” about delivering her introductory talk, which she said would focus on the importance of team unity.
“It’s one of the most important elements of any success story,” Maben said. “We need more communication, to understand each other and to all look in the same direction.
“If that base is not established, everything will crumble. It’s a challenge, but it’s non-negotiable for me.”
Maben has set the target of climbing seven places in the world rankings in her first two years, although her initial focus is on Asia Cup qualifiers in February.
In September, there will be the Asian Games in Japan, while the 2030 World Cup, which will be expanded from 12 to 16 teams, is also on her radar. She played in the eight-team edition in 1993.
“It’s going to give opportunities for more nations to taste elite cricket, which broadens your vision and helps you improve,” Maben said. “There’s going to be a lot of funding and effort [from many countries] going into trying to qualify.”
Another attraction of Hong Kong for Maben was the chance to “go somewhere my skill set is needed”.
“Hong Kong is a growing associate nation,” Maben said. “I’m looking forward to this assignment, the team has talent; now it needs direction and purpose.”
Burji Shroff, the chairman of Cricket Hong Kong, China, said Maben’s “impressive track record and commitment to women’s cricket will be invaluable as we strive to enhance our women’s programme”.
“We believe she will inspire our players to reach their full potential and help elevate the profile of women’s cricket in Hong Kong,” Shroff added.


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Mamatha Maben, a former India international, has signed a three-year deal to lead the Hong Kong cricket  women’s team. Photo: Mamatha Maben

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Sport

Cricket

Mamatha Maben set for first assignment in charge of city team, four-match T20I series begins in Malaysia on Sunday


Mamatha Maben set for first assignment in charge of city team, four-match T20I series begins in Malaysia on Sunday.


Women's cricket

New Hong Kong women’s cricket coach happy to sacrifice India life for growth story

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Mamatha Maben set for first assignment in charge of city team, four-match T20I series begins in Malaysia on Sunday

Mamatha Maben set for first assignment in charge of city team, four-match T20I series begins in Malaysia on Sunday