India and Pakistan have "turned their backs on September's Asian Games, boosting Hong Kong's chances of a medal" -- but Hong Kong Cricket Association Dir of Cricket Charlie Burke "decried the absence of the subcontinent giants, saying it's a major blow for the game's profile in the region," according to Alvin Sallay of the SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST. India did not participate four years ago in Guangzhou when cricket "made its debut at the Games in the Twenty20 format." Pakistan "turned up but failed to make it to the final, with Bangladesh beating Afghanistan." Burke: "It is a shame for the Asian Games and Asian cricket in general to not have two of the big powerhouses participating." The absence of India in particular in Incheon will be a "massive loss to the Asian Games especially as their presence would have guaranteed massive interest and wide television coverage." Sri Lanka and Bangladesh will be the "only two test-playing nations, sending teams for both the men's and women's competition." Pakistan will take part in the women's event (SCMP, 7/22).
