There is room for two Sharmas in the Hong Kong team after all. Veteran Rahul Sharma has been joined by big-hitting newcomer Ankur Sharma in the seven-strong SAR squad named for next month's US$260,000 Cathay Pacific/Standard Chartered Hong Kong Sixes.
Rahul and Ankur are not related. But the selectors will hope that the pair strike up a close relationship so that Hong Kong can make a strong challenge for top honours at the eight-team tournament to be played at the Kowloon Cricket Club on November 6 and 7.
Rahul Sharma will lead a side bristling with firepower, both in batting and bowling.
Apart from Vagabonds all-rounder Ankur, the other members are Amar Najeeb, Hussain Butt, Ryan Eagleson, Afzaal Haider and Tabarak Dar.
'This is probably the strongest side ever picked to represent Hong Kong. I can't remember any other side which looks as strong as this one. Maybe the only player who could have forced himself into this squad would have been Stewart Brew [former Hong Kong captain],' said Mike Walsh, chief selector and chairman of the Hong Kong Cricket Association.
'There were a couple of tough choices to make and we had a close look at Manoj Cheruparambil. He was unlucky not to get in but time is on his side,' said Walsh.
