"For the team to get the opportunity to play in front of family, friends and Hong Kong supporters should be a big motivator," Burke said on Wednesday (June 22). "Having never hosted an ICC Women's tournament, this is really exciting. We had a number of big changes in the squad a number of years ago and threw in some young or inexperienced players to develop and take the Women's squad onto global tournaments."
The former men's coach and current director of cricket believes that the team has improved over the years and expects the tournament to be closely fought despite China being the top-ranked team.
"We had a number of big changes in the squad a number of years ago and threw in some young or inexperienced players to develop and take the Women's squad onto global tournaments," Burke said.
"We are no longer young in cricket terms and we now have a core group of 16-18 players that understand what is required at this level. The tournament will showcase a very competitive and close competition, if we can be the fittest and show our cricket maturity I have no doubt we will be tough to beat.
"Majority of our players work or study so trying to balance the pressure of work and study with cricket isn't easy," Burke said about the women's squad, after the men's team were recently accepted into the Hong Sports Institute.
"I want the players turning up to training with a purpose and to enjoy being together as a group. The support the players have is better than ever, nine of our players have committed to support contracts to assist them to get to training and get away from work early or miss a shift without it affecting their income."
The squad will now leave to India for a preparation tour in September. The team that finishes on top in the qualifiers will then progress to the global qualifying group.
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