Mamatha Maben, the former India international all-rounder, has embraced a new challenge by becoming the head coach of the Hong Kong women’s cricket team on a three-year contract. Having previously coached the women’s teams of China and Bangladesh, Maben has opted to sacrifice her settled life in India which includes her home in Karnataka, her family, and her four dogs and two cats-to lead the world No. 22-ranked Hong Kong side. For Maben, the opportunity to be part of a “growth story” in a developing cricket nation was too significant to pass up.
Maben, ahead of her official start date on Monday, flew early to Malaysia, where Hong Kong are scheduled to play a four-match T20 International series against the world No 26 ranked Malaysian team, starting Sunday. She sees these matches as vital in getting first hand understanding of her players’ temperament and skills. “Matches give you a true indicator of a player’s temperament and skills,so it’s going to give me a good understanding,” she said, adding that an understanding of where her squad currently stands will help her chalk out her coaching plan.
Mamatha Maben takes up a 3-year Coaching Assignment with the Hong Kong Women’s Cricket team. 🏏 #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/8M6NK8tgvP
— Female Cricket (@imfemalecricket) December 2, 2025
A day before her squad arrived in Selangor, Maben said she was nervous and excited for her introductory talk to the team, emphasizing how unity will be the foundation of success. She reiterated that communication and common goals are the base of any effective team and that without it, “everything will crumble.” She is committed, no doubt, to laying down this foundation.
Maben hopes to lift Hong Kong’s world ranking seven places in her first two years. Her immediate focus is the Asia Cup qualifiers in February, but she also has her eyes on the 2026 Asian Games in Japan and the expanded 2030 Women’s World Cup, where the number of competing nations expands from 12 to 16 teams. Having played in the 1993 World Cup herself, Maben considers the further openings provided by increasing numbers competing at senior international level as a means to inspire changing attitudes and driving up standards.
One of the primary reasons that Maben was attracted to Hong Kong was the opportunity to utilize her skills where they are truly needed. She described Hong Kong as a talented associate country but emphasized that the team needs firm direction and a clear vision to reach its full potential.
Cricket Hong Kong chairman Burji Shroff was similarly complimentary, praising Maben’s outstanding coaching background and her passion for developing the women’s game. Shroff was optimistic that under Maben’s tutelage, the players would strive to give their best in every match, and she will help raise the profile of women’s cricket in Hong Kong. Maben’s arrival heralds a promising new chapter for Hong Kong women’s cricket as the team embarks on a path of development and greater competitiveness in the international arena.
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