China makes cricketing debut against Hong Kong squad

A development team from Hong Kong, HKCA Development XL, will be playing against the China U15s on Sunday November 19th at Shenzhen University Grounds in Shenzhen. This will be the first occasion an official China Cricket Association team will be taking the field. The match is the first of five games played between China U15s and teams organized by Hong Kong Cricket Association. These matches are organized to provide match preparation to China U15 Team prior to the ACC U15 Cup (Challenge Division) held from 14th to 23rd December 2006 in Thailand.

"We are please to play five games against China U15s" says HKCA Development Committee Chairman Ravi Nagdev. "Hong Kong is a part of China and we are willing to assist in any way we can to the development of the game in China."

"The Junior Selectors have picked a mixed team of upcoming U13 / U14 players as well as current HK U15 squad members to give China a good competitive game. China is looking at getting some much needed match experience before the Tour to Thailand and have invited us to play in Shenzhen. We are very excited to play cricket in China and looking forward to hosting them for a few games in Hong Kong."

Former Pakistan international Rashid Khan (4 Tests and 29 ODIS from 1980-1985) will be coaching China's cricketers as they prepare for the U-15 ACC Challenge Cup in December.

Mr. Khan has previously worked with the Pakistan U-19 teams and coached PIA and Karachi Harbour with considerable success as well as being a junior selector. He will be based in Shenzhen where the Chinese U-15 squad players have been based since the start of October

Two of the matches on Nov 19th and Dec 3rd will be held at Shenzhen University and the balance two games will be played at Kowloon Cricket Club (Nov 28th) and Po Kwong Village Road (Nov 30th).

The Hong Kong Development Squad for the game on Sunday comprises of: Mark Chapman, Muhammed Nazabat, Niaz Ali, Aizaz Mohammed Khan, Sagar Chandra, Chan Ka Ming Bobby, Kwok Ching Ho Kenson, Leung Wai Hin, Mohammed Iqram, Leung Chung Ning Jones, Miten Khatri, Reshanga Goonetilleke, Li Kai Ming, Chan Kai Chung, Dhananjay Visvanath

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON MATCHES BETWEEN CHINA AND HK PLEASE CALL CHARLES LAU AT HONG KONG CRICKET ASSOCIATION. TEL: 25048102.