Hong Hong’s wicketkeeper-batsman Chris Carter has ended his professional career as he aims to become a pilot. According to a report in the South Morning China Post, Carter has moved to Australia and will spend around 55 weeks training in Adelaide to become a second officer with Cathay Pacific.

Carter, 21, said limited career opportunities in cricket forced him to take the decision. Carter was part of the Asia Cup team that lost to Pakistan and India in the group stage.

“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 was quoted as saying.

“It is difficult to be a cricketer in Hong Kong given the lack of funding. People within CHK [Cricket Hong Kong] work so hard to try and allow us to play on a full-time basis.”

Hong Kong coach Simon Cook had earlier admitted holding on to players was a major challenge as the board can’t offer handsome contracts to cricketers to live comfortably in Hong Kong, one of the most expensive places on the plant.

“It all comes down to money. We’re governed by things we can’t control. Hong Kong is among the most expensive places to live and work in the world. Our player contracts are not enough for them to realistically live and work, have a family and make a career by just playing cricket,” Cook told ESPNcricinfo.