ICC World Twenty20 build-up - Hong Kong lose Jamie Atkinson and Waqas Barkat
Squad will struggle without both their wicketkeepers in the early part of their ICC World T20 preparations
A visa snag and a freak accident have robbed Hong Kong of both wicketkeepers in the build-up to their 2016 ICC World Twenty20 qualifying campaign.
Hong Kong arrived in London on Wednesday without former captain Jamie Atkinson, who is recovering from surgery after slicing a tendon in his right foot, and vice-captain Waqas Barkat, who is still waiting for a visa despite all application requests being made at the same time.
Hong Kong head coach Charlie Burke was philosophical about the loss of both players for the start of a fortnight of acclimatisation and practice matches before the 14-team qualifying tournament for the leading associate members begins on July 9.
It's not ideal not having our two keepers and former leaders for the pre-tour, but we will deal with the cards that have been dealt and focus on what we can control
"It's not ideal not having our two keepers and former leaders for the pre-tour, but we will deal with the cards that have been dealt and focus on what we can control," Burke said.
Atkinson, who stepped down as captain during the latter stages of Hong Kong's tour of Namibia last month, is expected to join the squad next week.
"Jamie had an accident at home where he dropped a bowl on the floor and it sliced his tendon. He has had surgery and will join the squad soon," Burke said.
Hong Kong will play the second XIs of Sussex and Warwickshire over the next week before leaving for Scotland where they will play warm-up matches against countries in the other half of the World Twenty20 qualifying draw.
The team, led by fast bowler Tanwir Afzal, will then move to Ireland where they will be based for their group A matches in the July 9-26 tournament against co-hosts Ireland, Nepal, Papua New Guinea, Namibia, United States and Jersey.
The top six teams will qualify for the first stage of the ICC World Twenty20 in India next year.
"Apart from these last-minute hiccups, I could not have asked for a better build-up," Burke said. "The players have worked hard for the past few months and the commitment has been great.
"It was also very useful having ex-Indian and ex-Sri Lanka fielding coach Trevor Penney with us in the last week of preparation."
With Atkinson and Barkat unavailable for the early part of the tour, Burke has drafted in three young development squad players who are on player placements in England - Raag Kapur, Giacomo Lamplough and Suhaib Ahmed.
"They will experience what it is like to tour and be involved at senior level. I expect these three to play for Hong Kong in the next few years," Burke said.
