Hong Kong batsman Christopher Carter cites lack of funding as a reason for leaving cricket

Albeit Hong Kong returned winless from the recently concluded Asia Cup in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Anshuman Rath and Co were showered with praises after they put up a resolute show, especially against India in the Group phase. In their meantime, Christopher Carter, one of their middle-order batsmen has decided to call it quits from professional cricket.

The 21-year-old mentioned that Hong Kong Cricket doesn’t get much support from the government as well as the International Cricket Council (ICC) owing to which he has been compelled to take the decision. He also talked about his future aspirations and his priority to support his family.

It is difficult for other members of the Hong Kong team

“I already put my studies on hold before but I think it’s time to do what I’ve always wanted to do, and that is to become a pilot. It is difficult to be a cricketer in Hong Kong given the lack of funding. People within CHK [Cricket Hong Kong] work so hard to try and allow us to play on a full-time basis.

The likes of Mark Wright and Simon Cook really do their best, but they are not supported well enough by the government or the ICC,” Carter was quoted as saying in South China Morning Post.

“It’s a bit difficult for every player. I have a family and a nine-month-old daughter, so I have to support my family as well. We are struggling for income and we are hoping that our salaries will be increased.”

Earlier this year, Hong Kong lost their one-day status after they finished in the bottom two of the ICC World Cup qualifier, which also meant a reduction in funding from the world’s apex cricket board. Meanwhile, Carter also credited the other members of the national team for giving their blood and sweat to represent their country at the highest level.

“It is difficult for other members of the Hong Kong team, some of them who do not really have qualifications. It’s difficult if you have a family in Hong Kong which is one of the most expensive places in the world. But the credit goes to the players with the way they are surviving and still giving their best,” the youngster added.

Carter was born in Hong Kong but grew up in Perth, Australia. In 2014, he returned to Hong Kong to play club cricket and was eventually roped in by the national team. He left Hong Kong over the weekend and will undergo a 55-week training in Adelaide to become a second officer with Cathay Pacific.

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