Two players will miss out on draft for Hong Kong’s first Twenty20 Blitz tournament
Mark Chapman has university commitments in New Zealand, while Aizaz Khan is injured, but officials believe there will still be plenty of talent for four franchises to choose from on Thursday
Hong Kong vice-captain Mark Chapman and teammate Aizaz Khan are unavailable for Thursday’s Hong Kong T20 Blitz draft, but the four franchises will have plenty of local talent to choose from for next month’s tournament.
Chapman has university commitments in New Zealand, while Khan is injured, however, Hong Kong Cricket Association chief executive Tim Cutler and former Hong Kong captain Jamie Atkinson are among the prize picks from among the uncontracted players.
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The draft, starting on Thursday at 1pm, will feature senior players who have signed contracts with the HKCA along with Premier League cricketers and under-19 players.
Outside the draft, franchises are also free to negotiate with overseas players who are interested in playing in the May 28 and 29 tournament at Mission Road.
HKCA marketing and commercial director Max Abbot said he expected the four teams to start confirming their overseas players on Friday.