Hong Kong Unveils Squad for Cricket Sixes

[HD video below] Najeeb Amar will return from international retirement to lead Hong Kong at the Karp Group Hong Kong Cricket Sixes at the Kowloon Cricket Club on 28-30 October 2011.

Left-arm spinner Najeeb stepped down as captain soon after Hong Kong had successfully finished in the top four at the ICC World Cricket League Division Two tournament in Dubai earlier this year.

But the lure of the Sixes, where he has been a star turn, has persuaded Najeeb to return and he will lead a strong local outfit who will be seeking to repeat their heroics of 2009 when they shocked the big guns to storm into the Cup final before bowing out to South Africa.

Apart from Najeeb, the spin department will include veteran Munir Dar and Peter Wooden while Tanvir Afzaal and newcomer Haseeb Amjad will provide the medium-pace. Nizakat Khan, one of the outstanding players for Hong Kong in recent months and teenage debutant Babar Hayat will make up the rest of the team.

“We have a very strong side with a good mix of experienced hands as well as new faces. I think we will go very well this time,” said Hong Kong national coach, Charlie Burke. “Babar Hayat is just 18 and has only recently qualified to play for Hong Kong internationally. He is a big striker of the ball and I’m sure he will do very well as will Haseeb who is a fine all-rounder.”

Hayat will also take over the wicket-keeping duties ruling out Hussain Butt from the equation.

Hong Kong is grouped with last year’s finalists Pakistan, South Africa and India in the preliminary round of the 12-team tournament, which will be played over three days for the first time in the history of the competition.

Also for the first time, an international Twenty20 (T20) match will be played on the Friday, when the All Stars take on a combined world outfit comprising of players from each of the other countries.

Hong Kong Squad: Najeeb Amar (captain), Tanvir Afzaal, Munir Dar, Nizakat Khan, Babar Hayat, Haseeb Amjad, Peter Wooden.

Pool A: All Stars, Sri Lanka, New Zealand and Scotland.
Pool B: Australia, England, Bangladesh and Ireland.
Pool C: Pakistan, South Africa, India and Hong Kong.

Karp Group Hong Kong Cricket Sixes - Interview with Glyn Davies, Tournament Director

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