Hong Kong keeper quits cricket to become pilot

Carter, who was a part of the playing XI that gave India a scare in the group stages of the Asia Cup will fly back to Australia, where he grew up to give wings to his dreams of becoming a pilot.

Hong Kong’s heroics against India in the Asia Cup after earning qualifying rights by toppling hosts UAE did not alter the state of youngsters after choosing cricket as a career option in the country, prompting their wicket-keeper batsman Chris Carter to give up cricket and pursue his dreams of becoming a pilot.

Carter, who was a part of the playing XI that gave India a scare in the group stages of the Asia Cup will fly back to Australia, where he grew up to give wings to his dreams of becoming a pilot.

"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," Carter told the South China Morning Post.

Carter cited the lack of opportunities for cricket in Hong Kong as another major reason behind his decision to quit the gentleman’s game. "It is difficult to be a cricketer in Hong Kong given the lack of funding. People within CHK 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, who has represented Hong Kong in 11 ODIs since making his debut three years ago, however, did not rule out the chances of a comeback, provided his work permits.

Carter will settle in Adelaide to undertake pilot-training with Cathay Pacific.