Women’s coach Charlie Burke says Hong Kong will be tough to beat in the 2016 ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifiers – Asia in October this year.

Following the news that Hong Kong would host China, Nepal and Thailand for the tournament, Burke said the home ground advantage will be a major boost.

“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.

“Having never hosted an ICC Women's tournament, this is really exciting.”

While China are the top-ranked team in the qualifiers, Burke expects all four teams will be competitive. The former men’s coach and now Director of Cricket has also seen a distinct improvement in the Hong Kong women’s team in recent years.

“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.”

While the men’s team were recently accepted into the Hong Kong Sports Institute, the women’s team program is not full-time meaning incredible dedication is required from the squad.

“Majority of our players work or study so trying to balance the pressure of work and study with cricket isn't easy," Burke said.

“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 women’s squad will travel to India for a preparation tour in September where they will have access to world class facilities. The squad leaving no stone unturned to chase top spot in the qualifiers and guarantee progression to the global qualifying group.