MCC Women’s squad head to Hong Kong as 2026 touring programme continues

MCC's overseas touring programme continues today as a women's squad travels to Hong Kong for a tour that will form part of the celebrations marking the 175th anniversary of Hong Kong Cricket Club.

The Club will be playing in a Cricket Festival with Hong Kong, Melbourne Cricket Club, and a Hong Kong Invitational XI as part of the anniversary celebrations. All matches will take place at the Hong Kong Cricket Club.

The squad will play in a series of matches that will provide Playing Members with the opportunity to challenge themselves against strong opposition while representing the Club overseas. The visit will also allow MCC to join in commemorating a significant milestone for one of cricket's oldest and most historic clubs. 

As with all MCC tours, the programme will extend beyond the field of play, with coaching and community engagement activities forming an important part of the visit. The tour reflects MCC's commitment to supporting the growth of women's cricket globally while strengthening the Club's longstanding relationships across the international game.

MCC will be captained by Lydia Clements, a former member of both the Wales and Glamorgan squads and is currently skipper of the Radyr Women’s 1st XI in South Wales.

Amongst the names in the squad are Sophie Munro of Essex, who has also played for Trent Rockets and London Spirit in The Hundred, and Matilda Callaghan who has represented Essex, Hampshire and Kent. 

Esther de Lange played both One-Day International and T20 International cricket for the Netherlands, and Isabelle Routledge has represented Middlesex for the past five years.

Alison Bruce, who has played for MCC since 1999 and is a former captain of Sussex, is the Tour Manager for the trip.

Emma Marsh, Women’s Cricket Manager for MCC, is part of the squad and said of the trip: “We are honoured to be invited and hosted by Hong Kong Cricket Club for this momentous anniversary. The squad are looking forward to experiencing the club’s renowned hospitality, celebrating its rich history, and taking part in what promises to be a memorable tour both on and off the field.”

The squad for the tour of Hong Kong is: Alison Bruce (Tour Manager), Lydia Clements (Captain), Isabelle Berry, Matilda Callaghan, Esther de Lange, Alice Heap, Emma Marsh, Cora McCallum, Sophie Munro, Amanda Polley, Isabella Routledge, Bhoomika Bhat, Krishna Shah, Lucy Western, Monika Loveday (Umpire).

The fixtures in the tournament are as follows:

Sunday 27 September
Hong Kong CC v MCC
T20 match

Monday 28 September
MCC v Hong Kong Invitational XI
T20 match 

Tuesday 29 September
MCC v Melbourne CC
T20 match

Thursday 1 October
Hong Kong CC v MCC
T20 match

Friday 2 October
Hong Kong CC Taverners v MCC
T20 match

All of the matches on the tour will be streamed live via the Hong Kong Cricket Club YouTube Channel.