Signed Official Programme for E. W. Swanton’s Commonwealth Cricket Team Tour of Hong Kong, 1964 – Signed by Sir Garfield Sobers and Twelve Other Touring Cricketers

Description

An exceptionally scarce official souvenir programme produced for E. W. Swanton’s Commonwealth Cricket Team tour of Hong Kong, held between 31 March and 7 April 1964, and made particularly desirable by the inclusion of thirteen contemporary player signatures, including that of Sir Garfield Sobers, widely regarded as one of the greatest all-round cricketers in the history of the game.

Published by the Hong Kong Cricket League, the illustrated 67-page programme documents one of the most prestigious overseas cricket tours of the post-war era. Organised by the distinguished cricket writer and broadcaster E. W. Swanton, the touring side assembled an extraordinary combination of international talent drawn from England, the West Indies, Australia, India and beyond.

The outstanding feature of this example is the collection of contemporary signatures written directly upon the players’ portrait pages. Most notable is the signature of Sir Garfield Sobers, whose achievements transformed twentieth-century cricket. Sobers remains the only player to have excelled consistently as a batsman, fast bowler, spin bowler and outstanding close fielder at the very highest international level. His autograph is among the most sought-after in cricket memorabilia, and signed items relating to his early international career are increasingly difficult to obtain.

Additional signatures comprise:

• E. W. Swanton
• Sir Leonard (Len) Hutton
• Sir Garfield Sobers
• Seymour Nurse
• Sonny Ramadhin
• The Nawab of Pataudi
• Richie Benaud
• Ian M. McLachlan
• K. Taylor
• M. G. Griffith
• T. B. L. Coghlan
• J. D. Piachaud
• N. C. Pretzlik

The programme is illustrated throughout with portraits and biographical notes on the touring party together with fixtures and information relating to the Hong Kong visit. It records an important chapter in the international development of cricket during the early 1960s, when overseas tours by representative Commonwealth teams played a significant role in promoting the game across Asia.

Official souvenirs from this tour are themselves uncommon. Complete examples carrying a substantial group of authentic player signatures—particularly that of Sir Garfield Sobers—are considerably scarcer and represent an important survival from one of the most distinguished touring sides assembled during the decade.

Condition

Very good condition. Minor edge wear, light marks and creasing to the original wrappers. Internally clean and complete. The signatures remain clear and well preserved.

Publisher: Hong Kong Cricket League
Date: 1964
Size: 12.7 × 19 cm
Pagination: 67 pages
Binding: Original printed wrappers

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