Hong Kong squad named for PNG series

With an eye on the ICC World Cup Qualifiers in 2014, and in line with the ICC's high performance recommendations to expose more players in the lead up to this event, the Hong Kong selectors have announced a young squad to travel to Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, to play in the Air Niugini Super Series from 19-22 July 2012.

The Hong Kong squad is:

• Babar Hayat (KCC)
• Irfan Ahmed (LSW)
• Nizakat Khan (LSW)
• Anshuman Rath (HKCC)
• Aizaz Khan (Pakistan Association)
• Daljeet Singh (Independents)
• Haseeb Amjad (LSW)
• Li Kai Ming (KCC)
• Kinchit Shah (KCC)
• Karan Shah (KCC)
• Tanwir Afzal (Pakistan Association)
• Waqas Barkat (KCC)
• Aditya Kanthan (KCC)

• Coach: Charlie Burke
• Assistant Coach: Jawaid Iqbal
• Physiotherapist: Rosemary Burnett

Regarding the squad, National Coach Charlie Burke said, "It will be a great opportunity for fringe players such as Kinchit, Karan, Daljeet and Ming to step up and be counted and show if they have what it takes to be considered in the 2014 qualifiers."

He added, "I'm looking forward to our new group which includes Tanwir, Haseeb and Aditya, who played at the ICC U19 World Cup in 2010, but hasn't represented Hong Kong yet. Adi has been one of the leading bowlers in Hong Kong but its a big mental, physical step up to perform against the top associates."

Burke said "Nizakat has stepped down as vice captain to concentrate on regaining some form with the bat. Waqas will again get an opportunity to captain this very young side and I believe he is now ready to lead by example."

"Missing players like Captain Jamie Atkinson and star T20 player Moner Dar will only mean others have a chance to show how good they are in a very tough cricket environment in Port Moresby."

Hong Kong will play two 50-over matches and four Twenty20 games against PNG, Singapore and a star studded Brisbane team featuring some players from the Brisbane Heat T20 team.