Hong Kong’s elite cricket team are set to embark on a full-time training programme and 15 players have been given scholarships ©Getty Images

Hong Kong’s elite cricket team are set to embark on a full-time training programme and 15 players have been given scholarships after they renewed their agreement with the country’s Sports Institute.

After the Asian nation qualified for the preliminary stage of this year’s International Cricket Council (ICC) World Twenty20 in India, won by the West Indies, they became eligible for the Hong Kong Sports Institute (HSKI) Individual Athletes Support Scheme.

The initiative is designed to help the development of cricket in the country and offers a monthly grant to team members, as well as the use of HKSI facilities.

The scholarships, given to a record 15 players, are thought to be worth around HK$2.6 million (£235,000/$335,000/€294,000) per year.

Hong Kong, who failed to reach the main phase of the ICC World Twenty20, are currently ranked 14th in the world in the format and have full one-day international status.

This makes them eligible to play series against the world’s top sides.

“The support is vital in our quest to prepare as well as we possibly can for the World Cup Qualifiers and Asian Games in 2018,” Hong Kong Cricket Association (HKCA) Director of Cricket Charlie Burke said.

“HKSI support to the athletes and the overall programme budget allows more time with the athletes and we also get the access and use of the wonderful facility and professional resources in Fo Tan.

“We currently sit second on the World Cricket League Championship (WCLC) and have been as high as 10th on the T20 table in the last six months.

“It is a huge 12 months to ensure we not only maintain this position but also start climbing the rankings.

“We will have around four to six players based overseas during our off-season playing in the UK and India which will assist their development ahead of our next international tour in Ireland and Scotland.”

Hong Kong reached the preliminary phase of the ICC World Twenty20 but failed to reach the second round
Hong Kong reached the preliminary phase of the ICC World Twenty20 but failed to reach the second round ©Getty Images

Captain Tanwir Afzal, batsman Babar Hayat and Aizaz Khan have full-time contracts with the HKCA and the HKSI.

Nawaz Ehsan, Mark Chapman, Kinchit Shah, Nizakat Khan, Waqas Khan, Anshuman Rath and Nadeem Ahmed all have full-time contracts with the HSKI, while Chris Carter and Adil Mehmood are contracted solely to the HKCA.

Li Kai Ming, Giacomo Lamplough and Tanveer Ahmed have all been given rookie deals with the HKCA.

“This really helps a lot,” Afzal said.

“We have access to more facilities to improve our physical fitness and it allows us to focus on cricket without having to worry about part-time work or studies.

“We received the support because of our ranking and qualifying for the T20 World Cup and I hope we can continue improve so that we will stay on the Institute programme.”