Hong Kong will be sorely lacking a left-hand batsman in their lineup to play their first ICC Intercontinental Cup match against Namibia, missing three key players – Mark Chapman, Anshuman Rath and Kinchit Shah – who are all studying overseas.
We could have called them back at a pinch for Namibia but right now the more important aspect is to qualify for the ICC Twenty20 in India next year
Charlie Burke, Hong Kong head coach
“It is unfortunate that all three players are batsmen and on top of that left-handed, which would have given us a nice mix at the top of the order,” said Hong Kong head coach Charlie Burke. “But their absence also throws the door open for others to step in and make a mark.”
Chapman is studying in New Zealand, Shah in India and Rath in England where he is boarded at Eton. The trio have all been key components of Hong Kong sides in recent years, but Burke has opted to do without them for the opening fixture in the I-Cup – a four-day game – in May. Hong Kong will also play two one-day matches against Namibia in Windhoek.
Head coach Charlie Burke laments that he will be without any left-handed batsmen for the game with Namibia. Photo: Nora Tam
“This is just the start of a busy international schedule for Hong Kong cricket and we have to prioritise things. We could have called them back at a pinch for Namibia but right now the more important aspect is to qualify for the ICC Twenty20 in India next year and all these players have made themselves available for the qualifying tournament this summer,” Burke said.
The 14-strong squad named yesterday by the Hong Kong Cricket Association is led by Jamie Atkinson, with Waqas Barkat once again handed the deputy role. The rest include Adil Mehmood, Aizaz Khan, Ankur Vasishta, Babar Hayat, Ehsan Nawaz, Haseeb Amjad, Irfan Ahmed, Nadeem Ahmed, Nizakat Khan, Roy Lamsam, Tanwir Afzal and Waqas Khan.
Hong Kong's Mark Chapman will be unable to play due to study commitments. Photo: AFP
Lamsam, Waqas Khan and Ankur Vasishta (formerly Ankur Sharma) have been called up for the missing Chapman and company.
After watching the World Cup and training almost every day, the guys are as hungry as ever to do well
Charlie Burke, Hong Kong head coach
“It has been over four months since we last played some international cricket.
“And after watching the World Cup and training almost every day, the guys are as hungry as ever to do well. This is a historic tour as it will be our first ever I-Cup and World Cricket League Championship matches and the first for most to tour Africa” Burke said.
Hong Kong will meet Namibia from May 10-13 in the I-Cup followed by two one-dayers in the World Cricket League Champion ship on May 15 and May 17.“Namibia are a very good side and they have always been a tough opposition,” Burke added.
This article appeared in the South China Morning Post print edition as: HK to face Namibia ‘without key players’
