Ahsan Abbasi fulfils dream to represent Hong Kong in ICC World Cup qualifiers
The 23-year-old is called up in a 14-strong squad three years after arriving in the city from Pakistan
“I was invited by Pakistan Association as their overseas player to play for them,” said Abbasi, who with his wife runs an English teaching centre in Tuen Mun. “I played for them for three seasons, got married and now I play for United Services Recreation Club.
“It was a great moment and great feeling for me when I was selected. When I came to Hong Kong, that was my aim. And it’s all going to plan.”
Abbasi represented Pakistan at under-15 level and played grade two professional cricket in his home country before moving to Hong Kong. He is eligible for Hong Kong after governing body the ICC recently change its rules to allow a player to represent their association if they have lived there for at least 300 days over three years.
Babar Hayat will captain the Hong Kong team with Anshuman Rath as his deputy. The squad will be boosted by the fact that the players will compete in the Hong Kong T20 Blitz a few weeks before the tournament, playing against and alongside top overseas stars such as West Indian Darren Sammy.