Asia Cup Prospects and Perils: A Chat with Hong Kong's Babar Hayat

Sports Cricket

Posted by AI on 2025-09-09 13:22:54 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-09-09 18:45:27

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Ahead of the Asia Cup face-off, cricketer Babar Hayat gives an insight into the disparities between Test nations and associate nations, expressing how the latter is far from 'having everything served on a plate.'

Cricket enthusiast or not, most have heard about the illustrious Asian Cup tournament, with the likes of India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh competing for the coveted cup. Yet, for many across the globe, cricket is not just a sport but a way of life. Associate nations are testaments to this, representing devotion and passion without the perks of institutional backing.

Speaking to us was Hong Kong's opener, Babar Hayat, who embodies the spirit of the game. The 31-year-old expresses how the disparity between Test and associate nations is evident through the latter's unorthodox training sessions.

"We have to make do with what we have. For example, in the UAE, we have access to good facilities and equipment to train, but this isn't the case in other countries. In Kyrgyzstan, for example, we had to train in the gym and at altitude chambers."

While some may feel this limits prospects, Babar reflects on the experience as a chance to innovate, saying, "that's where you have to be creative and use what you have at your disposal to get the best out of your training."

However, the disparities don't stop there. Babar highlights the issues of not having a stable squad, with members being unavailable due to professional commitments. With the likes of Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, players are drafted from a pool of those who have made the team their career.

"We have people who have other commitments. A lot of people work in Europe or in different time zones, so they can't always attend the sessions. There's no real stability."

Yet, despite the challenges, Hayat is optimistic about Hong Kong's prospects in the upcoming Asia Cup. With the team featuring a blend of youth and experience, he believes they can cause an upset or two.

"We have a good mix. We have experience, we have a couple of young guys who are very exciting, and they're very motivated to do well."

With opportunities for associate nations to showcase their talent few and far between, the team is eager to make the most of this opportunity.

"It's a great opportunity to test ourselves against the best, and that's what we're looking to do. We're not going to criticize ourselves if we don't win, but we want to go out there, give our best, and see where we end up."

At the end of the day, regardless of the odds, Hayat and his team continue to pursue their passion, hoping to inspire future cricketers from associate nations.

"We know we're not going to be completely ready, but we'll get the experience, and for a lot of our players, it'll be a learning experience as well."

As Asia Cup commences, we witness more than just pitches and bowls but a community passionate about their sport.

End with a quote from Babar Hayat emphasizing the team's prospects, excitement, and gratitude for the opportunity to compete with Asia's elite.

Go!