Sixers confirm signing of Hong Kong player

A Chinese spinner whose cricket education started with watching Shane Warne videos on YouTube has earned a community rookie contract with the Sydney Sixers.

As reported earlier this month, the KFC Big Bash League franchise has broken new ground by signing Ming Li for the 2015-16 season. He is believed to be the first Chinese player to sign with a major cricketing franchise.

He became the first player from his country to take the field in a T20 match when he turned out for Hong Kong against Afghanistan during the 2012 ICC World Cup Qualifiers.

The 24-year-old is unlikely to play a game during this season's BBL tournament however the Sixers were hailing his recruitment as a watershed for the growth of the sport.

He first picked up a ball in 2004 and credits watching online videos of his idol Warne as fuelling his love of the game.

"I intend to make the best of this rare opportunity," he said.

"My aim is to be one of the leading cricketers for Hong Kong and I look forward to the challenges this experience will provide, which I know will go a long way in helping me achieve my cricketing goals."

Hong Kong Cricket Association (HKCA) CEO Tim Cutler said the signing was a major step forward for cricket in Hong Kong.

"This is one of the most exciting developments in Hong Kong Cricket history," Cutler said.

"We do hope this is the start of a great relationship with the Sydney Sixers and New South Wales Cricket,

"We believe this is the first time any Hong Kong sportsperson has participated in such an elite 'franchise' tournament and we can’t wait to see the positive effect Ming's BBL involvement will have on the already rapid development within the growing Chinese cricket community.

"With the Hong Kong team competing in next year’s ICC World Twenty20, it will not only give Ming a head start in preparations but also allow him an insight into some of the best players in T20 cricket."