The Hong Kong Cricket Association (HKCA) has written to the American university where Arshad Amdani is studying, asking for his release to play at the November 30-December 7 inaugural Youth Asia Cup in Hong Kong.
Amdani, a wicketkeeper-batsman, was one of the successes of July's tour of Sri Lanka. A leading run-getter, he is felt to be key to the Under-19s' campaign for the Youth Asia Cup.
'The dean of the university does not know anything about cricket . . . we have written to him explaining that Arshad has been a key player in our build-up so far and whether he can be released,' said David Trist, the HKCA's technical director.
'Opportunities to play in such tournaments come to but a few, and therefore we felt that we should try to get him down,' added Trist.
Meanwhile, the build-up for the Youth Asia Cup will continue when the national Under-19s take on Barker College of Australia at the Hong Kong Cricket Club today and the Kowloon Cricket Club tomorrow.
Selectors have named a 13-strong Hong Kong squad for both games and according to Trist, these games will also serve as a final trial for the Youth Asia Cup.